self-fulfilling prophecy

American  

[self-fool-fil-ing prof-uh-see] / ˈsɛlfˌfʊlˈfɪl ɪŋ ˈprɒf ə si /

noun

1. a prediction, whether founded or unfounded, that is ultimately confirmed because the very act of foretelling it influences behaviors and perceptions in ways that ultimately bring it about.

2. predestination paradox.

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Etymology

Origin of self-fulfilling prophecy

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

And if Americans start to expect higher inflation because of elevated oil costs, central bankers fear that those expectations could become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

From The Wall Street Journal

People who expect elevated price increases may choose to spend more in the present and demand higher wage increases, which could make inflation expectations a self-fulfilling prophecy.

From The Wall Street Journal

When businesses and shoppers expect higher prices, it can often turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy.

From The Wall Street Journal

This is an “identity contingency” that plays out “whenever we’re in a situation where a bad stereotype about one of our own identities could be applied to us,” potentially becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy.

From The Wall Street Journal

Federal Reserve policymakers are especially intent on keeping longer-run inflation expectations in check, given their concerns that rising inflation expectations among consumers could become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

From The Wall Street Journal