expectation

noun

ex·​pec·​ta·​tion ˌek-ˌspek-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce expectation (audio)
ik-
Synonyms of expectationnext
1
: the act or state of expecting : anticipation
in expectation of what would happen
2
a
: something expected
not up to expectations
expectations for an economic recovery
b
: basis for expecting : assurance
they have every expectation of success
c
: prospects of inheritance
—usually used in plural
3
: the state of being expected
4
a
: expectancy sense 2b
b
: expected value
expectational
ˌek-ˌspek-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce expectation (audio)
-shnəl
adjective

Synonyms

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
How to Watch Bodo/Glimt vs. Tottenham Hotspur: Date: Thursday, May 6, 2025 Time: 3:00 PM EDT Channel: Telemundo Stream: Fubo (Try for free) Despite a tough season by normal expectations, Tottenham Hotspur still faces the possibility of clinching major European success this season. — Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025 This step can more accurately set expectations and also ensure users aren’t being put at risk by wrongfully assuming a device will monitor them for a particular condition. — Dani Mariano, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025 The big number: $4.53 billion That was ESPN’s total revenue for Disney’s fiscal second quarter – up 8% from a year ago and surpassing Wall Street expectations. — Alex Sherman, CNBC, 8 May 2025 The company largely beat Wall Street expectations in the quarter, though both its linear TV businesses and its studios division saw revenues decline from the same quarter a year ago. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for expectation

Word History

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of expectation was in 1540

Phrases Containing expectation

Rhymes for expectation

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Browse Nearby Words

expectant mother
expectation
expectation of life
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Cite this Entry

“Expectation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expectation. Accessed 12 May. 2025.

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Kids Definition

expectation

noun
ex·​pec·​ta·​tion ˌek-ˌspek-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce expectation (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on expectation

Nglish: Translation of expectation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about expectation

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