unfounded expectation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unfounded expectation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a belief or anticipation that lacks a basis in reality or evidence. Example: "Her unfounded expectation that the project would be completed ahead of schedule led to disappointment among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The widespread, and unfounded, expectation that it would be a Scientology exposé, he said, might have thrown some viewers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Neglecting uncertainties could lead to unfounded expectations and poor assessments of PES outcomes.

Ecosystem Services

I came to university with awkwardly – and unfounded – high expectations of my culinary skills.

Independent

People disclose all manner of personal information in e-mail messages, in the expectation — perhaps unfounded — that what they type will remain confidential.

The New York Times - Tech

57 58 When communicated intervention aspirations are disrupted or unfounded, treatment and health expectations may be rationed, as well as hopes dashed, in turn feeding treatment doubt as well as disengagement, and even resistance, in response to the sense of false promise experienced.

BMJ Open

However, this expectation is completely unfounded.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Don't assume your boyfriend knows what you want or what you need it's an unrealistic and unproductive expectation that will lead to unfounded disappointments and resentment.

WikiHow

The expectation that total healthcare costs are reduced may be unfounded [ 16], NPs may lack crucial knowledge to provide safe healthcare for acute problems, and introduction of a new profession in primary care may result in fragmented healthcare delivery.

BMC Family Practice

The high expectations of the potency of such communications to change behaviour seem unfounded.

British Medical Journal

Expectations that China would allow public protests and that these would potentially disrupt the Games proved unfounded.

The Economist

(Great Expectations excepted!) We're encouraged to make assumptions about the characters that are suddenly revealed as unfounded and we have to re-interpret everything we've read up to that point.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unfounded expectation", ensure you provide context or evidence as to why the expectation lacks a basis. This strengthens your argument and makes your communication more persuasive.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that an expectation is unfounded without explaining why. Always provide reasoning or evidence to support your claim, as leaving it unexplained can weaken your argument and leave the audience unconvinced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfounded expectation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "unfounded" modifies the noun "expectation". It describes a specific type of expectation. Ludwig AI confirms this is a valid English phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

34%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unfounded expectation" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe beliefs or anticipations that lack a solid basis in reality. Ludwig AI confirms this. It's frequently used in News & Media and Science contexts to express skepticism or disapproval. While various alternatives exist, such as "baseless expectation" or "unrealistic expectation", choosing the most fitting depends on the intended nuance. When using this phrase, providing context and supporting evidence is crucial for persuasive communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

baseless expectation

Emphasizes the lack of any foundation or support for the expectation.

groundless expectation

Similar to "baseless", but may imply a lack of reason or cause.

unjustified expectation

Focuses on the absence of a fair or legitimate reason for the expectation.

unwarranted expectation

Highlights that the expectation is not deserved or justified in the given circumstances.

false expectation

Directly states that the expectation is incorrect or misleading.

illusory expectation

Suggests that the expectation is deceptive or based on illusion.

misplaced expectation

Indicates that the expectation is directed towards the wrong person or situation.

unrealistic expectation

Points out that the expectation is not practical or achievable.

naive expectation

Suggests that the expectation is overly simplistic or innocent, lacking awareness of potential problems.

empty hope

Emphasizes the lack of substance or likelihood of the expectation being fulfilled.

FAQs

How can I use "unfounded expectation" in a sentence?

You can use "unfounded expectation" to describe a belief or anticipation that has no basis in reality or evidence. For example: "The team's "unfounded expectation" of immediate success led to disappointment when they encountered initial setbacks."

What are some alternatives to "unfounded expectation"?

Some alternatives include "baseless expectation", "groundless expectation", or "unjustified expectation", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "unfounded expectation" and "unrealistic expectation"?

"Unfounded expectation" implies that the expectation lacks any basis in evidence or reason, while "unrealistic expectation" suggests that the expectation is not practical or achievable, even if there might be some reason to hope for it.

Is it always negative to have an "unfounded expectation"?

Yes, the term "unfounded expectation" generally carries a negative connotation, as it implies that someone is likely to be disappointed or misled due to a belief that lacks a valid basis. However, sometimes an "optimistic outlook", even if somewhat detached from reality, can be beneficial.