expectation

ex-pec-ta-tion · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A strong belief that something will happen or be the case.

  2. 2.

    A belief that someone will or should achieve something.

  3. 3.

    Something looked forward to; an anticipation.

Forms

plural: expectations

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    beyond expectations — better than anticipated
  • •
    live up to expectations — to perform as well as expected
  • •
    fall short of expectations — to fail to meet what was anticipated

Related words

Antonyms: surprise, uncertainty
See also: anticipation, expect, expectations, expected
Synonyms: anticipation, assumption, belief, hope

Etymology

From Latin expectatio ("an awaiting, expectation"), from expectare ("to await, look out for").