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
Albemarle revenue down but beats expectations Albemarle also raised its long-term global lithium demand forecast Thursday, citing an explosive growth in the stationary storage market.
—
Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
District 230 communications director Jennifer Waterman said, as with any co-curricular in pilot status, the club’s participation levels will be reviewed regularly, and student engagement and adherence to schoolwide expectations will be monitored.
—Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
My expectations are honestly quite low.
—Rachel Handler, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
Wendy's – The fast-food chain saw shares jump 4% after fourth-quarter results outpaced expectations.
—Liz Napolitano,darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for expectation
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Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
District 230 communications director Jennifer Waterman said, as with any co-curricular in pilot status, the club’s participation levels will be reviewed regularly, and student engagement and adherence to schoolwide expectations will be monitored.
—Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
My expectations are honestly quite low.
—Rachel Handler, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
Wendy's – The fast-food chain saw shares jump 4% after fourth-quarter results outpaced expectations.
—Liz Napolitano,darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 13 Feb. 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 15 Feb. 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
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