unreasonable expectation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unreasonable expectation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a belief or demand that is not realistic or fair in a given situation. Example: "The manager's request for the team to complete the project in one week was an unreasonable expectation given the complexity of the tasks involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

It is not an unreasonable expectation.

The New York Times

Or is that an unreasonable expectation for a boss?

The New York Times

That's not a remotely unreasonable expectation, regardless of social class.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It seems to me to be a wildly unreasonable expectation".

The New York Times

This was "not an unreasonable expectation, although perhaps shareholders would prefer a higher milestone?".

The Guardian

Or maybe my cautious optimism is the most darkly unreasonable expectation of all.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

You can't expect her to be perfect or to live up to some unreasonable expectations.

WikiHow

The real problem with PowerPoint is users' unreasonable expectations.

Harvard Business Review

I think people had unreasonable expectations that it would be an implementing agency".

The New York Times

So several have sought dubious powers to meet the public's unreasonable expectations.

The Economist

"A third intifada will come about only because of our setting unreasonable expectations".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing goals or plans, carefully evaluate whether the projected outcomes are genuinely achievable given the available resources and constraints. Avoid setting yourself or others up for disappointment by ensuring expectations are firmly grounded in reality.

Common error

Be careful to not confuse aspirational goals with realistic expectations. While it’s important to be ambitious, assuming that a desired outcome is guaranteed regardless of practical limitations can lead to frustration and failure. Always balance your aspirations with a realistic assessment of the possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unreasonable expectation" functions as a noun phrase, where "unreasonable" modifies the noun "expectation". It describes a type of expectation that is not fair, realistic, or logical. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unreasonable expectation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as verified by Ludwig AI, that serves to denote a belief, demand, or anticipation that is not realistic or fair. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academic, and Science-related content, its purpose is to criticize, express concern, or temper enthusiasm about unrealistic goals. Understanding its implications is crucial in setting achievable targets and managing expectations effectively. To enhance your writing, ensure you distinguish between aspirational goals and realistic expectations, using alternatives like "unrealistic demand" or "excessive assumption" as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unjustified anticipation

Highlights the lack of a valid reason for the expectation.

unrealistic demand

Focuses on the impracticality of the request.

excessive demand

Emphasizes that the request is beyond reasonable limits.

excessive assumption

Highlights the overestimation involved.

illogical premise

Highlights the faulty reasoning behind the expectation.

outlandish anticipation

Emphasizes the bizarreness of the prediction.

implausible prospect

Stresses the unlikelihood of the outcome.

overly optimistic forecast

Focuses on the exaggerated positivity of the prediction.

wildly optimistic outlook

Underlines the extreme optimism.

far-fetched hope

Indicates the improbability of the desired outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "unreasonable expectation" to describe a belief or demand that is unrealistic or unfair, such as, "Expecting a new employee to immediately master all aspects of their job is an "unreasonable expectation"."

What are some alternatives to "unreasonable expectation"?

Alternatives include "unrealistic demand", "excessive assumption", or "unjustified anticipation", each emphasizing a different aspect of the unrealistic nature of the expectation.

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

While generally negative, highlighting the impracticality of a belief or demand, there might be instances where an "unreasonable expectation" can drive innovation by pushing boundaries beyond what is considered possible. However, it is crucial to be aware of the potential downsides.

What is the difference between "unreasonable expectation" and "high expectation"?

"High expectation" refers to a demanding standard that is still potentially achievable, while "unreasonable expectation" implies a standard that is not realistic or attainable given the circumstances. A "high expectation" can motivate, but an "unreasonable expectation" can lead to discouragement and failure.