expectation

noun

ex·​pec·​ta·​tion ˌek-ˌspek-ˈtā-shən 

ik-

1

: the act or state of expecting : anticipation

waited in expectation of what would happen

2

a

: something expected

not up to expectations

expectations for an economic recovery

Expectations for the team were high.

I found it hard to live up to/meet/match their expectations. [=to do as they expect me to do]

b

: basis for expecting : assurance

They have every expectation of success. [=they believe they will succeed]

c

: prospects of inheritance

—usually plural

3

: the state of being expected

4

a

: expectancy sense 2b

b

: expected value

expectational

ˌek-ˌspek-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

-shnəl

adjective

Synonyms of expectation

• anticipation
• expectancy

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

Only Khamenia and Dzafic, who didn’t see much playing time at all for coach John Calipari, experienced comparable expectations at their previous stops. — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026

The two films, directed by 20-something-year-olds who came from YouTube, exploded all box-office expectations while ushering in droves of Gen Z audiences back to cinemas. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 26 Sep. 2026

Rates become an even bigger hurdle for stocks Treasury yields surged to multidecade highs last week as strong economic data and hawkish Federal Reserve commentary raised expectations for more rate hikes. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 26 Sep. 2026

Yet none of this mattered, as the show failed to live up to the lofty expectations of Trekkies. — Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 26 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing expectation

• mathematical expectation

Rhymes for expectation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

expectation

noun

ex·​pec·​ta·​tion ˌek-ˌspek-ˈtā-shən 

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