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 used in 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

Farm Rio then opened its first international store in New York in April 2019, marking the brand’s official expansion into the US, which wound up far exceeding expectations, says CEO Fabio Barreto. —Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2025

For some, this season brings memories of loss, loneliness, or unmet expectations. —Dr. Daniel Amen, Time, 26 Nov. 2025

Just go in with realistic expectations. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 26 Nov. 2025

The alternate universes depicted in fiction set the expectation that multiverses are spectacular, involving wormholes and portals into literal, physical parallel worlds. —Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 26 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing expectation

• every expectation of
• 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