expectancy

noun

ex·​pec·​tan·​cy ik-ˈspek-tən(t)-sē How to pronounce expectancy (audio)
plural expectancies
1
a
: the act, action, or state of expecting
the strange expectancy that getting on any train gives usJohn Updike
b
: the state of being expected
occurs with an expectancy slightly greater than usual
2
a
: something expected
their belief led to an expectancy
b
: the expected amount (as of the number of years of life) based on statistical probability
life expectancy

Examples of expectancy in a Sentence

that feeling of optimistic expectancy that fills theatergoers as they wait for the curtain to rise
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Post-pandemic rebound Life expectancy is trending upward, one of several data points that indicate public health is rebounding since the pandemic. Adriel Bettelheim, Axios, 9 Oct. 2024 In the 20th century, adult life expectancy in the U.S. increased by 30 years, 25 of which can be attributed to public health. Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024 Lyapunov exponent and survival time expectancy Jake Parks is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in covering science news. Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 17 Sep. 2024 Michigan ranks 30th out of the 50 states for life expectancy, a new analysis shows. Annalise Frank, Axios, 3 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for expectancy 

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of expectancy was in 1600

Dictionary Entries Near expectancy

Cite this Entry

“Expectancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expectancy. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

expectancy

noun
ex·​pect·​an·​cy
ik-ˈspek-tən-sē
plural expectancies
1
2
: the expected amount (as of years of life) based on statistical probability
life expectancy

Medical Definition

expectancy

noun
ex·​pec·​tan·​cy -ˈspek-tən-sē How to pronounce expectancy (audio)
plural expectancies
: the expected amount (as of the number of years of life) based on statistical probability see life expectancy

Legal Definition

expectancy

noun
ex·​pec·​tan·​cy
plural expectancies
: something expected: as
a
: an interest held by a person who may receive something (as a bequest) in the future but has no enforceable right to it
b
: the benefit that will be received from a contract if performed

More from Merriam-Webster on expectancy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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