expectancy

American  

[ik-spek-tuhn-see] / ɪkˈspɛk tən si /

Also expectance

noun

plural

expectancies

1. the quality or state of expecting; expectation; anticipatory belief or desire.

2. the state of being expected.

3. an object of expectation; something expected.

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expectancy British  

/ ɪkˈspɛktənsɪ /

noun

1. something expected, esp on the basis of a norm or average

   his life expectancy was 30 years

2. anticipation; expectation

3. the prospect of a future interest or possession, esp in property

   an estate in expectancy

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Etymology

Origin of expectancy

From the Medieval Latin word ex(s)pectantia, dating back to 1590–1600. See expectant, -ancy

Example Sentences

Over time, the disease worsens, and life expectancy is significantly reduced.

From Science Daily

It’s the same tool that insurance actuaries use to calculate life expectancy, adapted to estimate how long a typical player might expect to play in the WNBA.

From The Wall Street Journal

The rare genetic condition causes progressive muscle weakness and, without treatment, can limit life expectancy to just two years.

From BBC

Originally, the Scottish bill did not have a life expectancy timescale.

From BBC

It is incurable, with a median life expectancy of 12 to 18 months—in other words, a death sentence.

From Barron's