expectancy
noun
ex·pec·tan·cy
ik-ˈspek-tən(t)-sē 
plural expectancies
1
2
a
: something expected
Their belief led to an expectancy.
an expectancy of an inheritance
b
: the expected amount (as of the number of years of life) based on statistical probability
life expectancy
Examples of expectancy in a Sentence
that feeling of optimistic expectancy that fills theatergoers as they wait for the curtain to rise
Recent Examples on the Web
But in a clinical trial, that experience can be a liability as outcomes can be sensitive to expectancy bias.
—
Ian Reardon, STAT, 2 Feb. 2026
Someone genetically predetermined to live 80 years could reach 85 with healthy habits, while unhealthy lifestyle choices can shorten that expectancy to 75.
—Michal Ruprecht, CNN Money, 29 Jan. 2026
In fact, there’s research to suggest that expectancy violations are even more crucial in female friendships.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
The petition seeks a jury trial and damages exceeding $25,000 for each count, including claims of discrimination, retaliation, defamation, invasion of privacy and interference with contract or business expectancy.
—Benjamin Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 20 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expectancy
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Ian Reardon, STAT, 2 Feb. 2026
Someone genetically predetermined to live 80 years could reach 85 with healthy habits, while unhealthy lifestyle choices can shorten that expectancy to 75.
—Michal Ruprecht, CNN Money, 29 Jan. 2026
In fact, there’s research to suggest that expectancy violations are even more crucial in female friendships.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
The petition seeks a jury trial and damages exceeding $25,000 for each count, including claims of discrimination, retaliation, defamation, invasion of privacy and interference with contract or business expectancy.
—Benjamin Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 20 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for expectancy
Cite this Entry
“Expectancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expectancy. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
expectancy
noun
ex·pec·tan·cy
-ˈspek-tən-sē
plural expectancies
: the expected amount (as of the number of years of life) based on statistical probability see life expectancy
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