expectation
noun
ex·pec·ta·tion
ˌek-ˌspek-ˈtā-shən 
ik-
1
: the act or state of expecting : anticipation
in expectation of what would happen
2
3
: the state of being expected
4
b
Synonyms
Examples of expectation in a Sentence
The company has expectations of making a profit next year.
I saved the files in the expectation that they would be useful in the future.
There is widespread expectation that the strike will be settled soon.
The crowd waited in expectation of her arrival.
Recent Examples on the Web
But while another installment would provide a lucrative payday for Depp, fans should temper expectations.
—
USA TODAY, 30 Apr. 2024
Redick wouldn’t be saddled with those kinds of expectations — not with the Hornets possessing the league’s longest playoff drought that’s reached eight years and counting.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for expectation 
USA TODAY, 30 Apr. 2024
Redick wouldn’t be saddled with those kinds of expectations — not with the Hornets possessing the league’s longest playoff drought that’s reached eight years and counting.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for expectation
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'expectation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near expectation
Cite this Entry
“Expectation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expectation. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
expectation
noun
ex·pec·ta·tion
ˌek-ˌspek-ˈtā-shən
ik-
1
: the act or state of expecting : a looking forward to or waiting for something
2
: chances of good or bad fortune
—usually used in plural
3
: something expected
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