B2nounpsychologyeducation
US/ˌek.spekˈteɪ.ʃən/
UK/ˌek.spekˈteɪ.ʃən/
a belief or hope that something will happen or that someone should behave in a certain way
In context
Many students feel pressure from their parents' high expectations.
The new café did not live up to our expectations.
Contrary to expectations, the small team won the contract.
Words that go with expectation
adjective + noun
- high expectationsThe new manager has high expectations of everyone.
- realistic expectationsSet realistic expectations when you start learning a language.
verb + noun
- live up to expectationsThe film did not live up to expectations.
- meet expectationsThe results met our expectations.
- exceed expectationsSales this month exceeded expectations.
adjective + preposition
- contrary to expectationsContrary to expectations, prices fell.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The trip was over my expectation.Correct: The trip went beyond my expectations.