Word
expectancy
Phoneticsex·pectan·cy
US/ɪkˈspɛktənsi/
UK/ɛkspˈɛktənsi/
Definitions
01anticipation
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the feeling that something is about to happen, especially something good.
n. the state of thinking or hoping that something, especially something pleasant, will happen soon.
“There was a sense of expectancy in the crowd as they waited for the singer to appear.”
“An air of quiet expectancy filled the courtroom as the jury returned to deliver their final verdict after three days of deliberation.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02life expectancy
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Science
n. the number of years that a person or thing is likely to live or last.
n. the average period that a person may expect to live, or that an object is expected to remain functional.
“Better healthcare has led to a higher life expectancy in many countries.”
“Public health officials noted that life expectancy had plateaued in the region due to rising rates of sedentary lifestyle diseases.”
03expected value
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Mathematics Technical
n. the average value you expect to get from a set of data or a chance.
n. the predicted value of a variable, calculated as the sum of all possible values each multiplied by the probability of its occurrence.
“The mathematical expectancy of the game shows that the house always wins.”
“In statistical theory, the expectancy of a random variable provides a measure of the center of its distribution.”
Synonyms
04legal future interest
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Law Formal · Technical
n. a right to own or use something in the future, even if you do not have it yet.
n. a potential future interest in property or an estate that has not yet vested.
“The heir had a legal expectancy to the family estate once his uncle passed away.”
“The court ruled that a mere expectancy of inheritance does not constitute a present property right in divorce settlements.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “expectancy” in context.
Noun
01. life expectancy
“Medical advancements have significantly increased the average life expectancy in many countries.”
noun + noun
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the emotional state of waiting; countable when used in statistical phrases like 'life expectancies'.
Pitfall
The life expectation of a cat is 15 years.
The life expectancy of a cat is 15 years.
In statistical contexts regarding duration, 'expectancy' is the standard term, whereas 'expectation' refers to a belief about the future.
Real-World Examples
“The press-ups check strength and muscular capacity, both of which can give a sense of overall risk of disease, as well as life expectancy.” “Adding to this is an average Amish life expectancy of 81.2 years, which is a few years longer than the average American life expectancy.” Etymology
From expectant + -cy or expect + -ancy.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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