expectancy

noun

ex·​pec·​tan·​cy ik-ˈspek-tən(t)-sē 

plural expectancies

1

a

: the act, action, or state of expecting

the strange expectancy that getting on any train gives us

—John 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

Synonyms

• anticipation
• contemplation
• expectance
• expectation
• prospect

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

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

The group now looks at medal expectancy in each sport, performance in international events over the past five or six years, current athletes and those in development, and how the Olympic program is changing. —Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 26 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing expectancy

• life expectancy

Kids Definition

expectancy

noun

ex·​pect·​an·​cy

ik-ˈspek-tən-sē

plural expectancies

1

: expectation sense 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 

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