B2[Cusually plural]the feeling that good things are going to happen in the future: The holiday lived up to all our expectations (= was as good as we were expecting).I have high expectations for this job (= I believe it will be good).We did so well - beyond all(= better than) our expectations.I think she had unrealistic expectations of motherhood.Hoping and hopefulnessPotential›[C or U]the feeling of expecting something to happen: Considering the injuries he's had there can be little expectation of him winning the race.Our expectations are that the UK will cut its interest rate.Planning, expecting and arrangingPlotting and trappingagainst/contrary to all expectations›different from what is expected: Contrary to all expectations, she was accepted by the academy.Surprising and shockingMaking people sad, shocked and upset