self-fulfilling

American  

[self-fool-fil-ing] / ˈsɛlf fʊlˈfɪl ɪŋ /

adjective

1. characterized by or bringing about self-fulfillment.

2. happening or brought about as a result of being foretold, expected, or talked about.

   a self-fulfilling prophecy.

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self-fulfilling British  

adjective

1. (of an opinion or prediction) borne out because it is expected to be true or to happen

   a self-fulfilling prophecy

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Usage

What does self-fulfilling prophecy mean? A self-fulfilling prophecy is a prediction that causes itself to be true due to the behavior (including the act of predicting it) of the believer.Self-fulling, here, means “brought about as a result of being foretold or talked about,” while prophecy refers to the prediction.

Etymology

Origin of self-fulfilling

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Such expectations can be self-fulfilling.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

They can also prompt businesses and consumers to start expecting higher inflation years into the future, which economists warn can be self-fulfilling.

From The Wall Street Journal