Dictionary.com

expectancy

[ ik-spek-tuhn-see ]
/ ɪkˈspɛk tən si /
Save This Word!

noun, plural ex·pect·an·cies.
the quality or state of expecting; expectation; anticipatory belief or desire.
the state of being expected.
an object of expectation; something expected.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Also ex·pect·ance .

Origin of expectancy

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

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH expectancy

expectancy , expectation
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use expectancy in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for expectancy

expectancy

expectance

/ (ɪkˈspɛktənsɪ) /

noun
something expected, esp on the basis of a norm or averagehis life expectancy was 30 years
anticipation; expectation
the prospect of a future interest or possession, esp in propertyan estate in expectancy
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK