overexpectation
noun
over·ex·pec·ta·tion
ˌō-vər-ˌek-ˌspek-ˈtā-shən 
-ik-
plural overexpectations
: unreasonably or unrealistically hopeful expectation : the act or state of expecting too much in a given situation
They are bracing voters for a long and perhaps difficult hike from here to prosperity, cautioning them against overexpectations.—
Bob Deans
Bob Deans… there's certainly no overexpectation or complacency.—Graham Henry
Graham HenryExamples of overexpectation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
And with that hope comes other problems: problems of overexpectation, of affordability and of accessibility.
—Lauren Gravitz, Scientific American, 18 Oct. 2021
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Lauren Gravitz, Scientific American, 18 Oct. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Overexpectation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overexpectation. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share