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
Synonyms
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 shifting expectations come as Chair Jerome Powell heads to Capitol Hill for two days of testimony this week, beginning Tuesday, before House and Senate committees that oversee the central bank and the financial industry.
—
Christopher Rugaber The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 11 Feb. 2025
On Friday, a preliminary reading of US consumer sentiment sank to a seven-month low because of expectations that high inflation will return within the next year.
—Allison Morrow, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025
Strict parenting is an approach in which parents create rigid rules for children, with limited flexibility to deviate from the expectations that are set.
—Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 11 Feb. 2025
In that instance, commentators overwhelmingly supported the mom's decision, reinforcing the idea that inheriting sentimental items comes with an expectation of respect and responsibility.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for expectation 
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Christopher Rugaber The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 11 Feb. 2025
On Friday, a preliminary reading of US consumer sentiment sank to a seven-month low because of expectations that high inflation will return within the next year.
—Allison Morrow, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025
Strict parenting is an approach in which parents create rigid rules for children, with limited flexibility to deviate from the expectations that are set.
—Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 11 Feb. 2025
In that instance, commentators overwhelmingly supported the mom's decision, reinforcing the idea that inheriting sentimental items comes with an expectation of respect and responsibility.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for expectation
Dictionary Entries Near expectation
Cite this Entry
“Expectation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expectation. Accessed 16 Feb. 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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