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
Consumer sentiment in April fell to the lowest level since June 2022 and Americans' inflation expectations a year from now rose to 6.7%, the highest since 1981, according to a survey by the University of Michigan.
—
Paul Davidson, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
At the same time, respondents’ expectation for inflation a year from now leaped to 6.7%, the highest level since November 1981 and up from 5% in March.
—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2025
Great leaders are focused on how to lead multiple generations because expectations and demands are increasing across all generations—and while many of the desires for work are similar, there are also differences that introduce complexity for leaders.
—Tracy Brower, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Those moves brought expectations, and pessimism soon followed.
—James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
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.
Paul Davidson, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
At the same time, respondents’ expectation for inflation a year from now leaped to 6.7%, the highest level since November 1981 and up from 5% in March.
—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2025
Great leaders are focused on how to lead multiple generations because expectations and demands are increasing across all generations—and while many of the desires for work are similar, there are also differences that introduce complexity for leaders.
—Tracy Brower, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Those moves brought expectations, and pessimism soon followed.
—James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 13 Apr. 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 19 Apr. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share