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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All of this can make inflation a self-fulfilling prophecy, rendering the monetary policy tools at the Fed's disposal less effective in slowing price growth. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026 Effective altruism’s prophecy of AI risk could be self-fulfilling. — Jason Willick, Washington Post, 19 Sep. 2026 Police chief Fuller is correct — talking down a place can be self-fulfilling. — Michael Walker, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 In my experience, those negative self-beliefs often become self-fulfilling prophecies unless they’re challenged head-on. — CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2026 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 16 Oct. 2026.

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