Word
expected
Phoneticsex·pect·ed, stress on the second syllable
US/ɪkˈspɛktəd/
UK/ɛkspˈɛktɪd/
Definitions
01anticipated or likely
B1 · Intermediate
adj. thought to be about to happen or arrive.
adj. anticipated or predicted to occur; used to describe events or arrivals that are foreseen based on evidence or plans.
“The expected arrival time for the train is ten o'clock.”
“The expected increase in tax revenue failed to materialise, leaving the local council with a significant budget deficit for the upcoming fiscal year.”
Usage
Often placed before the noun it describes.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02required by rules or custom
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. something you should do because it is the rule or the polite way to act.
adj. required or considered necessary by social convention, professional standards, or specific instructions.
“Professional behaviour is expected from all students during the trip.”
“While not explicitly stated in the contract, a high level of discretion is expected from all employees handling sensitive client data.”
Usage
Commonly used in the pattern 'it is expected that' or 'be expected to'.
Teaching tip
This sense carries a stronger tone of obligation than the 'predicted' sense.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “expected” in context.
Adjective
01. expected behaviour
“The software is not working correctly; this is not the expected behaviour.”
adj + noun
02. expected direction
“The project is finally moving in the expected direction after months of delays.”
adj + noun
03. expected level
“The student's reading skills are at the expected level for their age group.”
adj + noun
04. expected number
“The expected number of guests is fifty, but we should prepare for more.”
adj + noun
05. expected to last
06. expected to continue
07. expected to increase
08. expected later
09. expected to take
10. expected by early
11. expected to arrive
12. expected to bring
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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