Meaning of Expectation
a belief that something will happen because it is likely
In simple words: A belief about what will happen in the future.
Expectation in a sentence
- The expectation of success can motivate people to work harder.
- Her expectation was that they would arrive on time for dinner.
- There was a growing expectation among the team regarding the project outcomes.
- Due to high expectations, the student felt pressure to achieve top grades.
How to use Expectation
Typically used in both spoken and written English. Use in formal contexts, such as business or academic writing, when discussing predictions or assumptions. Avoid in casual conversation unless referring to personal hopes.
Grammar pattern
expectation + of/object
Memory hint
Think of 'expect' + 'ation' – you're adding a feeling to the act of expecting.
Related words
Collocations with Expectation
- big
- great
- high
- have
- hold
- establish
- grow
- rise
- change
- above expectation
- against expectation
- contrary to expectation
- have every expectation
- in line with expectations
- big
- great
- high
- have
- hold
- establish
- grow
- rise
- change
- above expectation
- against expectation
- contrary to expectation
- have every expectation
- in line with expectations
- big
- great
- high
- have
- hold
- establish
- grow
- rise
- change
- above expectation
- against expectation
- contrary to expectation
- have every expectation
- in line with expectations
Synonyms for Expectation
- anticipation
- belief
- assumption
- hope
- forecast
Opposites of Expectation
Common mistakes with Expectation
- Confused with 'expectation' vs 'expectations' when referring to multiple beliefs.
- Using it incorrectly as a verb instead of a noun.
- Overusing in informal situations where simple terms like 'hope' might be better.
Expectation appears in
Expectation in other languages
More words like Expectation
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Frequently asked questions about Expectation
What does Expectation mean?
A belief about what will happen in the future.
What is the definition of Expectation?
a belief that something will happen because it is likely
How do you use Expectation in a sentence?
The expectation of success can motivate people to work harder.
Can you give another example of Expectation?
Her expectation was that they would arrive on time for dinner.
What are synonyms for Expectation?
Common alternatives include anticipation, belief, assumption, hope, forecast.
What is the opposite of Expectation?
Opposite meanings include disappointment, doubt, uncertainty.
What words go with Expectation?
It commonly pairs with big, great, high, have, hold, establish, grow, rise, change, above expectation, against expectation, contrary to expectation, have every expectation, in line with expectations, big, great, high, have, hold, establish, grow, rise, change, above expectation, against expectation, contrary to expectation, have every expectation, in line with expectations, big, great, high, have, hold, establish, grow, rise, change, above expectation, against expectation, contrary to expectation, have every expectation, in line with expectations.
What are common mistakes when using Expectation?
Confused with 'expectation' vs 'expectations' when referring to multiple beliefs. Using it incorrectly as a verb instead of a noun. Overusing in informal situations where simple terms like 'hope' might be better.
How do you pronounce Expectation?
US: /["/ˌekspekˈteɪʃn/"]/, UK: /["/ˌekspekˈteɪʃn/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
When should I use Expectation?
Typically used in both spoken and written English. Use in formal contexts, such as business or academic writing, when discussing predictions or assumptions. Avoid in casual conversation unless referring to personal hopes.
What CEFR level is Expectation?
"Expectation" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.

