overexpectation
Hoping for too much
Overexpectation is expecting too much—anticipating outcomes beyond what's reasonable or likely.
The word often appears in contexts of disappointment: The project failed due to overexpectation of market demand.
Parents may have overexpectations for their children; investors may have overexpectations for returns.
The gap between overexpectation and reality breeds frustration.
Belief held without proof
- preconceptionBelief formed beforehand
- overoptimismUnwarranted belief things will work
- wishful thinkingBelief shaped by desire
- projectionSomething that extends outward
forecast · prognosis · foresight · outlook · prospect · prediction · speculation · overestimation
Failure to satisfy expectations
- disillusionmentBitter loss of faith
- dismayDistressed loss of courage
- regretSorrow over past actions
- deflationSustained decrease in prices
discontent · dissatisfaction · frustration · chagrin · anticlimax · comedown · reality check · dashed hopes
Stubbornly held false belief
- fantasyImaginative mental wandering
- impracticalNot suited for use
- idealisticPursuing unrealistic standards
- unattainableImpossible to acquire
illusory · quixotic · exaggerated · overambitious · unfeasible · unworkable · overoptimistic · wishful
Excessive stretching force
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
- burdenOppressive weight or duty
- overwhelmDefeat by excess
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
overload · demand · overreach · overcommitment · overstrain · overburden · burnout · tension
presumption
Belief held without proof
- preconceptionBelief formed beforehand
- overoptimismUnwarranted belief things will work
- wishful thinkingBelief shaped by desire
projection · forecast · prognosis · foresight · outlook · prospect · prediction · speculation · overestimation · buildup
letdown
Failure to satisfy expectations
- disillusionmentBitter loss of faith
- dismayDistressed loss of courage
- regretSorrow over past actions
deflation · discontent · dissatisfaction · frustration · chagrin · anticlimax · comedown · reality check · dashed hopes
delusion
Stubbornly held false belief
- fantasyImaginative mental wandering
- impracticalNot suited for use
- idealisticPursuing unrealistic standards
unattainable · illusory · quixotic · exaggerated · overambitious · unfeasible · unworkable · overoptimistic · wishful · fanciful
strain
Excessive stretching force
anxiety · overload · demand · overreach · overcommitment · overstrain · overburden · burnout · tension · perfectionism
overexpectationpessimism
Expecting unfavorable outcomes
realism · skepticism · caution · wariness · pragmatism
expect, expected, unexpected, expecting, expectation, expectant, expects, expectancy, expectedly