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
In recent years, sustainability has shifted from a niche concern to a mainstream expectation in the consumer marketplace.
—
Matthew Emma, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024
This discount reflects slower near-term growth expectations.
—Gurufocus, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
On the brighter side, October retail sales beat expectations with a 4.8% year-on-year growth, and the unemployment rate ticked lower to 5%, down from 5.1% in September.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Nov. 2024
Your mother weaponizes family loyalty to maintain her emotional abuse, knowing that cultural expectations will paint you as the 'ungrateful child' for setting boundaries.
—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for expectation 
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Matthew Emma, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024
This discount reflects slower near-term growth expectations.
—Gurufocus, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
On the brighter side, October retail sales beat expectations with a 4.8% year-on-year growth, and the unemployment rate ticked lower to 5%, down from 5.1% in September.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Nov. 2024
Your mother weaponizes family loyalty to maintain her emotional abuse, knowing that cultural expectations will paint you as the 'ungrateful child' for setting boundaries.
—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for expectation
Dictionary Entries Near expectation
Cite this Entry
“Expectation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expectation. Accessed 30 Nov. 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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