expectation

noun

ex·​pec·​ta·​tion ˌek-ˌspek-ˈtā-shən 

ik-

1

: the act or state of expecting : anticipation

in expectation of what would happen

2

a

: something expected

not up to expectations

expectations for an economic recovery

b

: basis for expecting : assurance

they have every expectation of success

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

• 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

The firm's estimate is even lower than analyst expectations. —Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 8 July 2025

This shift significantly changes how maps are consumed and raises expectations around their precision, accuracy and delivery. —Michael Harrell, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025

Why the Policy Changed Jordan described the new baggage policy as part of a broader transformation designed to meet evolving traveler expectations and improve Southwest's profitability. —Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025

Trump’s political resilience has repeatedly defied expectations. —Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 7 July 2025

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