expectancy

Also ex·pect·ance

[ik-spek-tuhn-see]

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.

expectancy

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of expectancy¹

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

Example Sentences

Our life expectancy keeps rising - and as it does, age-related illnesses, including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, become increasingly common.

Read more on Science Daily

In 1950, life expectancy for women was 71 years, and it’s nearly 80 years now.

Read more on Salon

Touring, performing, and rock'n'roll lifestyles have previously been found to lower life expectancy for musicians.

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And yet, it has the lowest life expectancy among large, wealthy countries.

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Life expectancy for men is 75.8 years for men, and 81.1 years for women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read more on MarketWatch