expectation

[ˌekspekˈteɪʃən]

expectation Definition

• 1. a strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future
• 2. a 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

• anticipation
• hope
• confidence
• assumption
• presumption

Antonyms for expectation

• doubt
• skepticism
• disbelief

Idioms Using expectation

• to live up to expectations

  to perform as well as people expect you to

  Example

  The new employee has been living up to expectations and exceeding them.

• to lower expectations

  to make people expect less

  Example

  The company lowered its earnings forecast, in an attempt to lower expectations.

• to exceed expectations

  to perform better than people expect you to

  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.

• under expectation

  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'

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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.