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

This was a darling little car that more exceeded expectations under harsh conditions. —Josh Max, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025

Remember, the rankings are based on expectations for the players’ NHL careers. —Sean McIndoe, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025

Against expectation, Foster never moved to Hong Kong. —Ian Parker, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025

Markets have pared expectations for the number of rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserves this year, pricing in only one quarter percentage cut in 2025, according to CME FedWatch tool as of Friday. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 20 Jan. 2025

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