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
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
Returning most of the team that won the 2024 Class 4A state title, Providence has dealt with large expectations all season.
—
Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
Smith said during the playoffs his expectation is to be ready by training camp.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 31 May 2025
Kindergarten has become significantly more academic because of a national law passed in 2001, with children expected to spend more time sitting still and learning math and reading — and many boys do not enter with the skills to meet those expectations.
—Claire Cain Miller, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Is there an expectation that eventually things will settle down?
—Dan Gearino, Wired News, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for expectation
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Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
Smith said during the playoffs his expectation is to be ready by training camp.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 31 May 2025
Kindergarten has become significantly more academic because of a national law passed in 2001, with children expected to spend more time sitting still and learning math and reading — and many boys do not enter with the skills to meet those expectations.
—Claire Cain Miller, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Is there an expectation that eventually things will settle down?
—Dan Gearino, Wired News, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for expectation
Cite this Entry
“Expectation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expectation. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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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