unreasonable expectations

USAGE SUMMARY

'unreasonable expectations' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe when a person has asked for something that is too much to be reasonably expected or provided. For example: "Her boss had unreasonable expectations, asking her to finish a report in one week that normally takes two."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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

It is King Lear's unreasonable expectations that drive Shakespeare's plot.

The Guardian

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

But Murray cautioned against brief success fuelling unreasonable expectations for British tennis.

The Guardian - Sport

Narcissists hold unreasonable expectations of particularly favorable treatment and automatic compliance because they consider themselves special.

The New Yorker

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

The New Yorker

"He doesn't respond to cues," I say, wanting to protect him from unreasonable expectations.

The New York Times

Parents are setting unreasonable expectations for their responsibility for a child's happiness, Senior says.

Princeton University

"Part of the problem is that publishers bring very unreasonable expectations to television," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing performance reviews or goal-setting, clarify what constitutes a reasonable target to avoid setting "unreasonable expectations".

Common error

Avoid projecting personal standards onto others without considering their individual capabilities and circumstances to prevent "unreasonable expectations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unreasonable expectations" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "unreasonable" modifies the noun "expectations". As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe demands or anticipations that are unrealistic or excessive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

14%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unreasonable expectations" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe demands or anticipations that are unrealistic or excessive. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across diverse contexts, especially in news media, wiki articles and academic research. To avoid setting "unreasonable expectations", it's essential to clarify goals, consider individual capabilities, and provide adequate resources. Related phrases include "unrealistic demands" and "inflated expectations". Being mindful of this concept helps to foster more realistic goal-setting and healthier interpersonal dynamics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inflated expectations

Highlights the excessive level of expectation, suggesting they are beyond what is reasonable.

unrealistic demands

Focuses on the demanding nature of the expectations, highlighting their impracticality.

impractical anticipations

Underscores the lack of practicality in what is being anticipated.

excessive demands

Highlights the demanding nature of the expectations, emphasizing their extremity.

exaggerated hopes

Emphasizes the inflated nature of the hopes, making them seem unlikely to be fulfilled.

false hopes

Highlights the misleading nature of the expectations, suggesting they are unlikely to be met.

unjustified assumptions

Points out that the expectations are based on assumptions that are not well-founded.

overly optimistic outlook

Shifts the focus to the optimistic perspective that leads to unreasonable anticipations.

pie-in-the-sky dreams

Emphasizes the unrealistic and unattainable nature of the dreams, similar to unreasonable expectations.

wishful thinking

Focuses on the desire behind the expectations, suggesting they are based on wishes rather than reality.

FAQs

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

You can use "unreasonable expectations" to describe situations where demands or anticipations are unrealistic or excessive. For example, "The project failed because of "unreasonable expectations" regarding the timeline."

What's the difference between "high expectations" and "unreasonable expectations"?

"High expectations" refer to ambitious but achievable goals, while "unreasonable expectations" are demands or anticipations that are unrealistic or impossible to meet. High expectations can motivate, but unreasonable expectations often lead to disappointment and failure.

What are some synonyms for "unreasonable expectations"?

Alternatives include "unrealistic demands", "inflated expectations", or "impractical anticipations", depending on the specific context.

How do "unreasonable expectations" affect workplace dynamics?

"Unreasonable expectations" in the workplace can lead to increased stress, burnout, and decreased productivity among employees. Setting realistic goals and providing adequate resources are crucial for maintaining a healthy and effective work environment.