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

One problem, as Fronstin puts it, is that “average” life expectancy doesn’t really help any individual very much — half of people will live longer than the average, and some will live much longer.

From MarketWatch

In 2024, life expectancy at birth was 79 years for the total U.S. population, with female life expectancy of 81.4 and male life expectancy of 76.5, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

From MarketWatch

If untreated, acromegaly can lead to serious health problems and shorten life expectancy by about 10 years.

From Science Daily

It's a relatively safe country, globally famous for its stunning landscapes, and people living there enjoy a high life expectancy.

From BBC

Predictably, life expectancy shortened dramatically, so many of the warriors and their captains are teenagers and children.

From Los Angeles Times