expectation

American  

[ek-spek-tey-shuhn] / ˌɛk spɛkˈteɪ ʃən /

noun

• expectations
  plural

1. 

   the act or the state of expecting.

   to wait in expectation.

2. the act or state of looking forward or anticipating.

   Synonyms:

   trust, hope, anticipation, expectancy

3. an expectant mental attitude.

   a high pitch of expectation.

4. something expected; a thing looked forward to.

5. Often expectations. a prospect of future good or profit.

   to have great expectations.

6. the degree of probability that something will occur.

   There is little expectation that he will come.

7. Mathematics, Statistics. mathematical expectation.

8. the state of being expected.

   a large sum of money in expectation.

---

expectation British  

/ ˌɛkspɛkˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or state of expecting or the state of being expected

2. (usually plural) something looked forward to, whether feared or hoped for

   we have great expectations for his future

   their worst expectations

3. an attitude of expectancy or hope; anticipation

   to regard something with expectation

4. statistics

   1. the numerical probability that an event will occur

   2. another term for expected value

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• expectationist
  noun
• overexpectation
  noun
• preexpectation
  noun
• superexpectation
  noun
• expectational
  adjective
• expectative
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• expectations
  plural

Etymology

Origin of expectation

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin ex(s)pectātiōn-, stem of ex(s)pectātiō “anticipation, suspense,” from ex(s)pectāt(us) (past participle of ex(s)pectāre “to look out for, await”) + -iō -ion; see expect

Explanation

An expectation is a belief about what might happen in the future, like your expectation to stay close with your best friends your whole life. The word expectation comes from the Latin word expectationem, meaning "an awaiting." If you have great expectations, you think something good will come your way, but if keep your expectations low, you won't risk being disappointed. Expectation can also describe something that is supposed to happen, like a teacher whose expectation is that everyone comes to class prepared.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

expectation expectations

Markets are near-certain the Fed will raise rates, with a 91% expectation for a quarter-point hike, according to LSEG.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026

Parents, he said, have the legal right to observe classes and meet with teachers, and the expectation is that teachers will communicate freely and often with parents about a child’s needs and progress.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 15, 2026

“Our baseline expectation is that we will see a further rise in break-even inflation expectations,” Graham told MarketWatch.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 13, 2026

In Northern Ireland, it is generally legal to film someone even discreetly in a public place, as people in public do not usually have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

From BBC ● Sep. 12, 2026

In fact, like questions that need answers, many phrases leave the listener with a strong expectation of hearing the next, "answering," phrase.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones

On several occasions, small mismatches between measurements and expectations have eventually revealed that scientists were missing something important about how nature works.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 20, 2026

It is a job that comes with high expectations, though.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 20, 2026

"That must be very difficult to deal with when expectations are that you are going to be a successful and famous boxer."

From BBC ● Sep. 19, 2026

“Open communication, clear expectations, and shared planning can help families navigate this stage together,” Irwin said.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 18, 2026

Professionals follow through on each commitment and organizational role in a way that exceeds the expectations of others.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Related Words

• assumption
• chance
• confidence
• fear
• forecast
• hope
• intention
• likelihood
• notion
• outlook
• possibility
• prediction
• promise
• prospect
• trust
• view