expectation

noun

ex·​pec·​ta·​tion ˌek-ˌspek-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce expectation (audio)
ik-
1
: the act or state of expecting : anticipation
in expectation of what would happen
2
a
: something expected
not up to expectations
expectations for an economic recovery
b
: basis for expecting : assurance
they have every expectation of success
c
: prospects of inheritance
usually used in plural
3
: the state of being expected
4
expectational adjective

Examples of expectation in a Sentence

The company has expectations of making a profit next year. I saved the files in the expectation that they would be useful in the future. There is widespread expectation that the strike will be settled soon. The crowd waited in expectation of her arrival.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The University of Michigan’s sentiment index dropped to 50.8 in May, with inflation expectations ticking higher. John Buckingham, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 What are the expectations for Shedeur Sanders in Cleveland? Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2025 British royals expert Hilary Fordwich recently told Fox News Digital that there should not be an expectation of abdication, despite the King’s health issues. Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 19 May 2025 Coinbase’s first quarter revenue reached $2.03 billion, up 24% year-over-year, but slightly missed analyst’s expectations. Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for expectation

Word History

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of expectation was in 1540

Cite this Entry

“Expectation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expectation. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

expectation

noun
ex·​pec·​ta·​tion ˌek-ˌspek-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce expectation (audio)
ik-
1
: the act or state of expecting : a looking forward to or waiting for something
2
: chances of good or bad fortune
usually used in plural
3
: something expected

More from Merriam-Webster on expectation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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