expectation
noun
ex·pec·ta·tion
ˌek-ˌspek-ˈtā-shən 
ik-
1
: the act or state of expecting : anticipation
waited in expectation of what would happen
2
a
: something expected
not up to expectations
expectations for an economic recovery
Expectations for the team were high.
I found it hard to live up to/meet/match their expectations. [=to do as they expect me to do]
b
: basis for expecting : assurance
They have every expectation of success. [=they believe they will succeed]
c
: prospects of inheritance
—usually used in plural
3
: the state of being expected
4
b
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
Last week, Novo said total prescriptions had reached more than 2 million, as sales massively beat expectations in its first quarter despite its lower price point.
—
Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 18 May 2026
As a result of the transformations which are the focus of this book, that engine has departed very far from the euphoric expectations of the previous era.
—Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
The Pistons view him as the coach of the future and the expectation, per league sources, is for Bickerstaff to be around long term.
—Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 18 May 2026
The tuition payments may be a gift presented without strings, but there are still plenty of reasonable expectations that come with a college education.
—R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for expectation
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.
Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 18 May 2026
As a result of the transformations which are the focus of this book, that engine has departed very far from the euphoric expectations of the previous era.
—Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
The Pistons view him as the coach of the future and the expectation, per league sources, is for Bickerstaff to be around long term.
—Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 18 May 2026
The tuition payments may be a gift presented without strings, but there are still plenty of reasonable expectations that come with a college education.
—R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for expectation
Cite this Entry
“Expectation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expectation. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
