self-fulfilling prophecy

[ self-fool-fil-ing prof-uh-see ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-fulfilling prophecy¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

The health, or lack thereof, of Test cricket is debated so much it is in danger of becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy.

From BBC

So they go for broke in placating the base and infuriating the opposition, making their fear of losing the next election a self-fulfilling prophecy.

From Los Angeles Times

As Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen warned in 2021, “inflation can be a self-fulfilling prophecy.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Maybe you make another mistake, and now it becomes sort of a self-fulfilling prophecy, and then you lose that confidence in your mental capacities and your physical capacities,” Manly said.

From Salon

He says his anxiety once felt like a self-fulfilling prophecy; when someone asked him about it, his symptoms got worse.

From Slate