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
3
: the state of being expected
4
b
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
Alex Pereira Rematch Opening Odds With the expectation that Ankalaev and Pereira will tangle again in the near future, BetOnline published opening odds for the rematch.
—
Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
Her win, if nothing else, was a reminder that careers can take unexpected turns, no matter the expectations.
—Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025
Just make sure to keep both piles close by, with the expectation that the Southern weather will continue to surprise you.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2025
The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index plunged in February over fears of Trump’s tariffs, as expectations of higher inflation climbed.
—Bryan Mena, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expectation
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Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
Her win, if nothing else, was a reminder that careers can take unexpected turns, no matter the expectations.
—Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025
Just make sure to keep both piles close by, with the expectation that the Southern weather will continue to surprise you.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2025
The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index plunged in February over fears of Trump’s tariffs, as expectations of higher inflation climbed.
—Bryan Mena, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expectation
Cite this Entry
“Expectation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expectation. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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