# expected

/ɪkˈspɛktəd/ (US) · /ɛkspˈɛktɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/expected
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. anticipated or likely

adjective · CEFR B1

thought to be about to happen or arrive.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. required by rules or custom

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- I expected the train to be late today.
- The manager expected a full report by Friday afternoon to prepare for the weekend board meeting.
- Economists had expected a modest rise in inflation, but the sudden shift in global energy prices caused a much sharper increase than any model predicted.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.