overexpectation

noun

over·​ex·​pec·​ta·​tion ˌō-vər-ˌek-ˌspek-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce overexpectation (audio)
-ik-
plural overexpectations
: unreasonably or unrealistically hopeful expectation : the act or state of expecting too much in a given situation
They are bracing voters for a long and perhaps difficult hike from here to prosperity, cautioning them against overexpectations.Bob Deans
… there's certainly no overexpectation or complacency.Graham Henry

Examples of overexpectation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And with that hope comes other problems: problems of overexpectation, of affordability and of accessibility. Lauren Gravitz, Scientific American, 18 Oct. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overexpectation.' 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

1634, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overexpectation was in 1634

Dictionary Entries Near overexpectation

Cite this Entry

“Overexpectation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overexpectation. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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