under expectations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under expectations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something does not meet the anticipated or desired level of performance or quality. Example: "The team's performance this quarter was under expectations, leading to a reassessment of our strategies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

While the weekend also featured an entertaining free-for-all of a Kentucky Derby, it was dragged down by the Manny Pacquiao-Shane Mosley fight, which was expected to be a dud and still came in under expectations, writes Jon Saraceno in USA Today.

The New York Times - Sports

But neither team has thrived under expectations lately.

The New York Times - Sports

Demand is strong, but so far has been under expectations.

The Guardian - Business

The Nets are struggling under expectations, the Lakers are struggling with themselves.

The New York Times - Sports

"The labor market reform was under expectations," said Tito Boeri, an economist at Bocconi University in Milan.

The New York Times

Warman says it's a phone buckling under expectations "that must surpass every expectation and achieve things that no user even contemplated a mobile phone could do".

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Over-expectation, under-expectation and a lack of knowledge all co-exist among caregivers in this setting.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Four quadrants are used: harder items not achieved (i.e., under expectation when the responded score is less than the expected value on the respective items), harder items achieved, easier items not achieved, and easier items achieved.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

The tribological performance of these coatings, however, was often under expectation in comparison with that of conventional coatings such as TiN, due to their high friction coefficients.

Surface and Coatings Technology

The loser's bracket match between Kings of Urban versus Flipsid3 saw the former wilt under expectation, while Flipsid3 began a resurgent run of form that would take them straight to the final.

Vice

The loser's bracket match between Kings of Urban versus Flipsid3 saw the former wilt under expectation, while Flipsid3 began a resurgent run of form that would take it straight to the final.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternatives like "below expectations" or "short of expectations" for stylistic variation and to avoid repetition in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "under expectations" without clearly stating whose expectations are being referenced. For instance, instead of saying "The product performed under expectations", specify "The product performed under analyst's expectations" to provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under expectations" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun. It indicates a state or condition of not meeting anticipated or desired levels. Ludwig AI validates its frequent use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under expectations" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe situations where outcomes fall short of what was anticipated. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is prevalent in news, scientific, and general contexts. When using "under expectations", clarity is key; ensure the context makes clear what expectations are being referenced. Consider using alternatives like ""below expectations"" or "short of expectations" for variety. While versatile, adapting the formality to suit the audience is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

below expectations

Replaces "under" with "below", maintaining the core meaning of not reaching the expected level.

short of expectations

Substitutes "under" with "short of", emphasizing the idea of falling short of what was anticipated.

not up to expectations

Replaces "under" with "not up to", conveying the sense of not meeting the required standard.

failed to meet expectations

Uses a more direct verb phrase to express the failure to achieve the desired outcome.

disappointing results

Focuses on the outcome being disappointing, implying that expectations were not met.

less than anticipated

Shifts the focus to the actual result being lower than what was anticipated.

fell short of projections

Specifically refers to projections, making it suitable for financial or statistical contexts.

did not live up to the hype

Implies that there was significant anticipation or promotion, which the actual result failed to match.

underperformed

A single-word verb that concisely conveys the idea of performing below expectations.

lacked the expected quality

Emphasizes the deficiency in quality compared to what was anticipated.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is "under expectations"?

It means that the actual outcome or performance was less than what was anticipated or predicted. It indicates a failure to meet the set standards or hopes.

How can I use "under expectations" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe results, performance, or outcomes that didn't meet the anticipated level. For example: "The company's revenue came in "below expectations" this quarter."

Which is more appropriate: "under expectations" or "below expectations"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. "Below expectations" might be slightly more common, but "under expectations" is also widely accepted.

What are some alternative phrases for "under expectations"?

Some alternatives include "short of expectations", "not up to expectations", or "failed to meet expectations", depending on the context.