What does "expected" mean?

1. (anticipated or likely) thought to be about to happen or arrive. 2. (required by rules or custom) something you should do because it is the rule or the polite way to act.

How do you use "expected"?

Often placed before the noun it describes. Commonly used in the pattern 'it is expected that' or 'be expected to'.

expected

adj.

US //ɪkˈspɛktəd// UK //ɛkspˈɛktɪd// ex·pect·ed

1 anticipated or likely (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

thought to be about to happen or arrive.

anticipated or predicted to occur; used to describe events or arrivals that are foreseen based on evidence or plans.

Example

The expected arrival time for the train is ten o'clock.

Example

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.
- unexpected
- surprising
2 required by rules or custom (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

something you should do because it is the rule or the polite way to act.

required or considered necessary by social convention, professional standards, or specific instructions.

Example

Professional behaviour is expected from all students during the trip.

Example

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'.

Teacher's tip

This sense carries a stronger tone of obligation than the 'predicted' sense.
- optional

Word family

Verbexpect
Verbexpecting
Adjectiveexpected
Adjectiveunexpected