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

Citi listed tailwinds from artificial intelligence, the continued expectation of an economic soft landing and President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration as potential catalysts for stocks heading into next year. —Brian Evans, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2024

Only by clearly setting expectations and holding people accountable can companies truly reinforce their values and harness them to create a positive culture that allows team members to propel the organization forward. —Mitch Mitchell, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

Consumer expectations among Democrats have plummeted by nearly 50% since October to the lowest levels since the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the University of Michigan. —Matt Egan, CNN, 9 Dec. 2024

The good thing about a spring release like Challengers is that it’s not burdened with awards-season expectations. —Jen Chaney, Vulture, 9 Dec. 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