expect
verb (used with object)
to look forward to; regard as likely to happen; anticipate the occurrence or the coming of.
have been expecting
-
present perfect progressiveof expect.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Last month, the Fed’s policy-setting committee rolled out its first interest-rate hike in three years, and markets have been expecting additional tightening, especially in December, but not at this week’s meeting.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 28, 2026
Analysts have been expecting auto sales to be flat or down for 2026 overall, compared with a year prior, suggesting that higher sticker prices and gas prices are wearing on consumers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026
Analysts have been expecting auto sales to be flat or down for 2026, citing still-high interest rates, the end of electric-vehicle tax credits and broader economic uncertainty.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 1, 2026
Investors have been expecting a period of relative calm in the U.S.-China relationship and the call advanced that view.
From Barron's ● Feb. 4, 2026
Grandpa must have been expecting me, because just before I got to the store he came out onto the porch and looked down the road.
From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls
