expectation
noun
ex·pec·ta·tion
ˌek-ˌspek-ˈtā-shən 
ik-
1
: the act or state of expecting : anticipation
waited in expectation of what would happen
2
a
: something expected
not up to expectations
expectations for an economic recovery
Expectations for the team were high.
I found it hard to live up to/meet/match their expectations. [=to do as they expect me to do]
b
: basis for expecting : assurance
They have every expectation of success. [=they believe they will succeed]
c
: prospects of inheritance
—usually used in plural
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
Draft a short meeting agenda with key points, then talk through expectations with the person involved so the path ahead feels workable.
—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
5 July 2026
Obviously being the second pick in the draft there’s a ton of expectation and hype to go along with that.
—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
5 July 2026
That haul was lower than analysts’ expectations for a domestic opening of about $68 million.
—
Samantha Masunaga,
Los Angeles Times,
5 July 2026
Boeing taught me that the same business can become attractive after the valuation and expectations change.
—
Jim Osman,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for expectation
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Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
5 July 2026
Obviously being the second pick in the draft there’s a ton of expectation and hype to go along with that.
—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
5 July 2026
That haul was lower than analysts’ expectations for a domestic opening of about $68 million.
—
Samantha Masunaga,
Los Angeles Times,
5 July 2026
Boeing taught me that the same business can become attractive after the valuation and expectations change.
—
Jim Osman,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for expectation
Cite this Entry
“Expectation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expectation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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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