self-fulfilling

adjective

self-ful·​fill·​ing ˌself-fu̇l-ˈfi-liŋ How to pronounce self-fulfilling (audio)
1
: becoming real or true by virtue of having been predicted or expected
a self-fulfilling prophecy
2
: marked by or achieving self-fulfillment

Examples of self-fulfilling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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McKinley’s belief in the home market’s reliability thus became a self-fulfilling prophecy. Aroop Mukharji, Foreign Affairs, 14 Mar. 2025 Research from Social and Personality Psychology Compass supports this idea—specifically in terms of self-fulfilling prophecies. Mark Travers, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 Over time, this mindset can create a self-fulfilling prophecy, as excessive jealousy and controlling behavior may push a partner away, reinforcing the very fears that triggered it. Mark Travers, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 In the world of economics, such fears can quickly become self-fulfilling prophecy. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for self-fulfilling

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-fulfilling was in 1832

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Cite this Entry

“Self-fulfilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-fulfilling. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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