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

With four national teams setting up base camps and six matches planned at Arrowhead Stadium, the expectation was that the World Cup would be easy to spot all around Kansas City. —Pete Grathoff june 14, Kansas City Star, 15 June 2026

The opening weekend totals beat box office analysts’ expectations of about $40 million to $50 million. —Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026

The result is a five-man starting lineup that, together, navigated ups and downs, expectations and adversity, to become the kind of egoless, cohesive force this Knicks franchise hadn’t seen in five decades. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 14 June 2026

Factors to consider include your health and longevity expectations, your marital and parental status and your economic needs. —Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 14 June 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