expectation
C1Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
A strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future.
The degree of probability that something will occur. Also refers to standards of behaviour, quality, or achievement that are anticipated or considered likely.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically involves an element of anticipation and often a sense of entitlement or demand regarding the outcome. In mathematics, it refers to the expected value of a random variable.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or syntactic differences. The term is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of anticipation and future possibility.
Frequency
Equal frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
expectation of (something)expectation that (clause)expectation for (someone/something)have an expectationagainst all expectationsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “against all expectations”
- “beyond expectation”
- “come up to expectations”
- “fall short of expectations”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to projected performance metrics, customer service standards, or market forecasts.
Academic
Used in probability theory (mathematical expectation) and sociology (social expectations).
Everyday
Commonly used to discuss personal hopes, societal norms, or likely outcomes.
Technical
In statistics, the expected value of a random variable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We didn't expect such a large turnout.
American English
- I expect the report on my desk by 5 PM.
adverb
British English
- He arrived, quite unexpectedly, in the middle of the meeting.
American English
- The test results came back unexpectedly positive.
adjective
British English
- The expected arrival time has been pushed back.
American English
- Her expected response was a firm 'no'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My expectation is that it will be sunny tomorrow.
- Children have high expectations for their birthday presents.
- The film did not live up to my expectations.
- There is an expectation that employees will arrive on time.
- Managing client expectations is a key part of the consultant's role.
- Contrary to all expectations, the underdog team won the championship.
- The mathematical expectation of the variable was calculated using the new model.
- Societal expectations regarding gender roles have shifted dramatically in recent decades.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
The word sounds like 'ex-spect-a-tion'. Imagine an ex you are SPECTating (watching), waiting for their next move — you have an expectation of what they'll do.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXPECTATIONS ARE PHYSICAL OBJECTS (to build, raise, lower, shatter, exceed) OR CONTAINERS (to live up to, fall short of).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'ожидание' when it means 'waiting'. Use 'waiting' for the process and 'expectation' for the belief/standard.
- Do not confuse 'expectation' with 'waiting for' in contexts like 'I am waiting for a bus'.
- In probability contexts, the mathematical term 'expected value' translates as 'математическое ожидание', but this is a specific term.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'expectation' as a countable noun incorrectly: 'I have a high expectation' (better: 'I have high expectations').
- Confusing 'expectation' with 'hope'. An expectation is stronger and more based on evidence or entitlement.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a common collocation with 'expectation' in a business context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is usually countable in the plural ('expectations'), but can be uncountable when referring to the general concept ('a sense of expectation filled the room').
An 'expectation' is a belief that something will probably happen, often based on evidence or a sense of right. A 'hope' is a desire for something to happen, with less certainty.
Yes, e.g., 'unrealistic expectations' or 'failed expectations' convey a negative outcome or an unreasonable standard.
The verb is 'to expect'. The adjective is 'expected' or 'expectant'. The adverb is 'expectantly' or 'unexpectedly'.
Collections
Part of a collection
Relationships
B1 · 49 words · Vocabulary for interpersonal and social connections.