WordGarden.ioexpectation
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɛkspɪktˈeɪʃən/
US
- /ˌɛkspɛkˈteɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
a belief that something will probably happen or be true
a standard or demand that someone is expected to meet
the expected value of a variable in probability or statistics
Beyond the definition
An expectation is what someone believes will happen or what they think should happen in a situation. It is a quiet picture in the mind of how things will go. You might have expectations for yourself, such as doing well on a test, or for other people, such as wanting a friend to be reliable. Sometimes these ideas are realistic and fair; other times, they are too high and lead to disappointment. A parent may have high expectations for a child's schoolwork, and a baker may expect dough to rise properly. Managing these thoughts, both your own and those of others, can help prevent frustration and support healthier relationships.
Expectation is a powerful force in our lives. It is a belief that something will happen or should happen in the future, often based on past experience, hope, plans, or assumptions. It is more than simply hoping for something, because it usually includes a sense that a certain result is likely or proper.
Expectations can be conscious, like when you expect a package to arrive on a certain day, or less visible, shaping your reactions without you fully noticing. For example, if you have always been praised for being punctual, you may quietly assume that other people will value timeliness too.
The word "expectation" comes from the Latin expectare, meaning "to look out for" or "await." Think of someone eagerly expecting a loved one to return home; they are actively looking forward to that arrival.
Expectations play a major role in relationships, work, and personal growth. Unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment, resentment, and conflict. For instance, expecting your partner to read your mind is likely to cause friction. On the other hand, healthy expectations, like expecting effort and honesty from the people around you, can build trust and strengthen bonds.
In literature and storytelling, unmet expectations often drive the plot. A character may expect wealth, love, or success, only to see that hope break apart and change the course of the story. In everyday life, the same pattern appears when reality does not match the picture we carried in our minds. Whether you are waiting for good news, setting goals, or navigating complex relationships, understanding your expectations can help you respond with more clarity and balance.
Examples
- 1
School standards
The school has high expectations for all its students.
- 2
Family pressure
She struggled with the expectations her family had of her.
- 3
Future belief
There was a general expectation that prices would rise again.
- Patternexpectation that + clause
a belief that something will happen
- 4
Entertainment
We went into the movie with low expectations, but it was excellent.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Product quality
The new phone meets the basic expectations for a device at this price.
- Phrasemeet expectations
be as good as people expected
- 6
Fan reaction
The final season lived up to fans' expectations.
- Phraselive up to expectations
be as good as people hoped
- 7
Higher result
The number of applicants was far beyond our expectations.
- Phrasebeyond expectations
more or better than expected
- 8
Decision timing
After so many delays, nobody had much expectation of a quick decision.
- Grammar
expectation of + noun/-ing form is common
- 9
Management
As a manager, she makes her expectations clear from the start.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- high expectations
- meet expectations
- exceed expectations
- set expectations
Word family
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Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- expectationnoun
Forms
- expectationspluralnoun