self-fulfilling prophecy
Americannoun
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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.
Etymology
Origin of self-fulfilling prophecy
First recorded in 1945–50
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
If they come to expect rising inflation, sometimes higher inflation becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026
They worry that when people expect much higher prices in the future, they will accelerate their spending and demand higher wages, making inflation a self-fulfilling prophecy.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026
In that way, the race seems to be shaping up as less a competition than a self-fulfilling prophecy.
From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026
"We check, we check again - it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy."
From BBC • Dec. 5, 2025
“Delphine, do you know what a self-fulfilling prophecy is?”
From "P.S. Be Eleven" by Rita Williams-Garcia
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
