expectation Definition
- 1a strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future
- 2a belief that someone should behave in a particular way or do a particular thing
Using expectation: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "expectation" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
I have high expectations for this project.
Example
The company failed to meet my expectations.
Example
He did not live up to his parents' expectations.
Example
The expectation of a salary increase kept him motivated.
expectation Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for expectation
Antonyms for expectation
Idioms Using expectation
Example
The new employee has been living up to expectations and exceeding them.
Example
The company lowered its earnings forecast, in an attempt to lower expectations.
Example
The restaurant exceeded our expectations with their excellent service and delicious food.
Phrases with expectation
beyond expectation
better or more successful than was thought possible
Example
The team's performance was beyond expectation, winning every game in the tournament.
great expectations
the belief that someone is capable of achieving great things
Example
Her parents had great expectations for her academic success.
worse or less successful than was thought possible
Example
The sales figures were under expectation for the quarter.
Origins of expectation
from Latin 'expectare', meaning 'await'
Summary: expectation in Brief
The term 'expectation' [ˌekspekˈteɪʃən] refers to a strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future, or a belief that someone should behave in a particular way. It can be positive or negative, as in 'I have high expectations for this project' or 'The company failed to meet my expectations.' Phrases like 'great expectations' denote high hopes, while 'to lower expectations' means to make people expect less. 'Expectation' can also be used idiomatically, as in 'to live up to expectations,' meaning to perform as well as people expect you to.