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
Indeed, what stands out more about the next system may not be so much the rainfall expectations — a half-inch in the North Bay, while the East Bay and South Bay are more likely to be around one-tenth of an inch — as the low temperatures.
—
Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
After intermission, Louis goes to 1930s Hollywood, struggling with the expectation of playing stereotypes on camera for white audiences and palling around with Alpha Smith (Kim Exum, in delightful airhead mode).
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2024
Tesla shares have soared nearly 50% since Tuesday on the expectation that the electric car company will benefit from a more favorable regulatory and policy environment.
—Rob Wile, NBC News, 11 Nov. 2024
For that matter, were your expectations even expressed?
—Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 9 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for expectation 
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Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
After intermission, Louis goes to 1930s Hollywood, struggling with the expectation of playing stereotypes on camera for white audiences and palling around with Alpha Smith (Kim Exum, in delightful airhead mode).
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2024
Tesla shares have soared nearly 50% since Tuesday on the expectation that the electric car company will benefit from a more favorable regulatory and policy environment.
—Rob Wile, NBC News, 11 Nov. 2024
For that matter, were your expectations even expressed?
—Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 9 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 26 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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