Expectations I ˌekspekˈteɪʃn Rise Hope Contrary High General

• we are confident in our expectation of a full recovery.
• there was a general expectation that he would win.
• the expectation is that property prices will rise.
• i applied for the post more in hope than expectation.

expectation

1. a belief that something will happen because it is likely
• We are confident in our expectation of a full recovery.
• There was a general expectation that he would win.
• The expectation is that property prices will rise.
• I applied for the post more in hope than expectation.
• Contrary to expectations, interest rates did not rise.
• Against all expectations, she was enjoying herself.
2. a hope that something good will happen
• She went to college with great expectations.
• There was an air of expectation and great curiosity.
• The results exceeded our expectations.
• The numbers attending fell short of expectations.
• The event did not live up to expectations.
3. a strong belief about the way something should happen or how somebody should behave
• Some parents have unrealistic expectations of their children.
• Unfortunately the new software has failed to meet expectations.

Extra Examples

• He had been successful beyond his expectations.
• Heightened expectations for educational progress had not been realized.
• Her approach sought to lower people’s expectations.
• Her approach to welfare sought to lower people’s expectations and impose work discipline.
• Her new car has not lived up to her expectations.
• Here are some tips to help you manage your expectations for yourself.
• I have every expectation of cheering the team on to victory in the final.
• I have modest expectations about what my research can accomplish.
• In later years his expectations changed.
• It doesn’t conform to people’s normal expectations of what a zoo is.
• Low growth is likely to bring unfulfilled expectations.
• Many children start with low expectations.
• Once the government’s promise was made, popular expectations soared.
• Profits are broadly in line with expectations.
• Religion reinforces traditional gender expectations to varying extents.
• Sales came in above expectations this week.
• She has defied all expectations with her career.
• She has high expectations regarding the deal.
• The article was written before the election result in the clear expectation of a Labour victory.
• The building work was completed on time, contrary to expectation.
• The course has produced results way beyond expectation.
• The plaintiff is aged 30 and has a normal expectation of life.
• The reality of the cruise fell short of our expectations.
• The rise in share price confounded expectations.
• The various categories of operating expenditure are broadly in line with expectations.
• There is still a general expectation that married couples will have children.
• There were disappointed expectations all round when the contents of his will became known.
• These high expectations are based on the fast pace of technological developments.
• They bought real estate in the expectation of a rise in prices.
• They’ve found success far beyond their initial expectations.
• This realization of our dreams surpassed even our wildest expectations.
• This result is contrary to our prior expectations.
• Users have changed their expectations of library services.
• We certainly had a reasonable expectation of success.
• We have high expectations for her future.
• What should you do when an employee’s performance is below expectation?
• You have unrealistic expectations.
• differences in the expectations held by different social groups
• the government’s expectations about the economy
• the high expectations aroused by civil rights legislation
• the tensions and expectations surrounding the show
• the way in which expectations are formed
• trying to influence public expectations of the police
• Contrary to expectations, interest rates did not rise.
• I applied for the job more in hope than expectation.
• The event did not live up to expectations.
• Unfortunately the new software has failed to meet expectations.

Word Origin

• mid 16th cent.: from Latin expectatio(n-), from the verb expectare (see expect).