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

Indeed, what stands out more about the next system may not be so much the rainfall expectations — a half-inch in the North Bay, while the East Bay and South Bay are more likely to be around one-tenth of an inch — as the low temperatures. —Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024

After intermission, Louis goes to 1930s Hollywood, struggling with the expectation of playing stereotypes on camera for white audiences and palling around with Alpha Smith (Kim Exum, in delightful airhead mode). —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2024

Tesla shares have soared nearly 50% since Tuesday on the expectation that the electric car company will benefit from a more favorable regulatory and policy environment. —Rob Wile, NBC News, 11 Nov. 2024

For that matter, were your expectations even expressed? —Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 9 Nov. 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