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
• contemplation
• expectance
• expectancy
• prospect

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

Leaders today face a critical challenge: how to communicate effectively in an environment where trust is broken and employee expectations have fundamentally changed. —Cynthia Pong, Jd, Forbes, 22 Sep. 2024

In Cassino’s view, this dynamic speaks to a deeper issue, namely that expectations of what men are supposed to be versus new economic and social realities. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 22 Sep. 2024

Existing home sales came up short of expectations, but with rates now moving lower, improvement is likely on the way. —Zev Fima, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2024

Set in a tropical paradise, a group of singles gathers with the expectation of a wild and carefree time filled with flirtation and romance. —Jane Lacroix, Peoplemag, 21 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing expectation

• mathematical expectation

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