expected value
noun
1
: the sum of the values of a random variable with each value multiplied by its probability of occurrence
2
: the integral of the product of a probability density function of a continuous random variable and the random variable itself when taken over all possible values of the variable
Examples of expected value in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Buerger compared the estimated $500,000 values of properties on Hawthorne Hill to the subdivision’s lower expected values.
—
Eddie Morales, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2020
The lean is toward the Pelicans (-167), but there is better expected value on the spread.
—Joe Williams, USA TODAY Sportsbook Wire, 24 Jan. 2020
There’s been widespread agreement among academics and practitioners for decades that investors can expect value stocks to outpace growth over time.
—Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2019
Scott explained that the conference is loath to lock up a growing asset (the media rights) into the next decade because of its expected value on the open market.
—Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 29 Aug. 2019
Each circle represents a Fed official’s expected value of the federal-funds rate for the corresponding year or time period.
—Nick Timiraos, WSJ, 17 June 2019
Every quarter, the central bank produces a chart of 19 officials’ individual projections for interest rates, with a dot representing each person’s expected value of the Fed’s benchmark rate in coming years.
—Nick Timiraos, WSJ, 18 Mar. 2019
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Eddie Morales, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2020
The lean is toward the Pelicans (-167), but there is better expected value on the spread.
—Joe Williams, USA TODAY Sportsbook Wire, 24 Jan. 2020
There’s been widespread agreement among academics and practitioners for decades that investors can expect value stocks to outpace growth over time.
—Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2019
Scott explained that the conference is loath to lock up a growing asset (the media rights) into the next decade because of its expected value on the open market.
—Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 29 Aug. 2019
Each circle represents a Fed official’s expected value of the federal-funds rate for the corresponding year or time period.
—Nick Timiraos, WSJ, 17 June 2019
Every quarter, the central bank produces a chart of 19 officials’ individual projections for interest rates, with a dot representing each person’s expected value of the Fed’s benchmark rate in coming years.
—Nick Timiraos, WSJ, 18 Mar. 2019
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'expected value.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1915, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near expected value
Cite this Entry
“Expected value.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expected%20value. Accessed 26 Sep. 2023.
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