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

The result is lower life expectancy, more illness, social isolation and overall pessimism about our society.

From Salon

Given all that, he said, “my life expectancy is maybe this summer. I expect to be checking out from this domain sometime this summer.”

From Los Angeles Times

To reach their conclusions, researchers analyzed a large national database, examining survey patterns related to life expectancy across counties throughout the United States.

From Science Daily

Another person with a terminal brain tumour told the BBC that he believed Owain's Law would have been "helpful" in his attempt to extend his life expectancy.

From BBC

It depends on your circumstances, including your life expectancy.

From MarketWatch