self-fulfilling
adjective
self-ful·fill·ing
ˌself-fu̇l-ˈfi-liŋ 
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
The coverage feeds a narrative of a campaign in trouble, which becomes self-fulfilling.
—
Trip Gabriel, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2023
This has paved the way for many corny, pandering projects that have failed, thus sustaining the self-fulfilling prophecy that maybe Latinos simply don’t like to buy books, or watch TV, or whatever.
—Jp Brammer, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2023
Her self-fulfilling manipulations of cotton and recycled nylon now have the adoration of both a growing fan base and larger fashion institutions: Earlier this year, the designer won the prestigious Karl Lagerfeld Innovation Award at the Woolmark Prize.
—Halie Lesavage, Harper's BAZAAR, 8 Aug. 2023
So, despite centuries of self-serving and self-fulfilling prophecies from institutions that benefit from the belief that humans – even newborns – are inherently evil or sinful (and conveniently need saving by those institutions), people are not inherently good or bad.
—Dan Carsen, al, 23 July 2023
That decision was almost certainly shaped by the complicated politics of running a major research university, in which concerns that a president has lost the ability to lead can quickly become self-fulfilling.
—Jonathan Wosen and Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 20 July 2023
Unfortunately, starting a conversation in this way can be a self-fulfilling prophecy.
—Janine Schindler, Forbes, 17 July 2023
That proves a self-fulfilling prophecy, as Fabio and Co. have one day only during which to complete their masterpieces.
—Lauren Puckett-Pope, ELLE, 6 July 2023
Assuming the worst can become a self-fulfilling prophecy!
—USA TODAY, 4 July 2023
See More
Trip Gabriel, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2023
This has paved the way for many corny, pandering projects that have failed, thus sustaining the self-fulfilling prophecy that maybe Latinos simply don’t like to buy books, or watch TV, or whatever.
—Jp Brammer, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2023
Her self-fulfilling manipulations of cotton and recycled nylon now have the adoration of both a growing fan base and larger fashion institutions: Earlier this year, the designer won the prestigious Karl Lagerfeld Innovation Award at the Woolmark Prize.
—Halie Lesavage, Harper's BAZAAR, 8 Aug. 2023
So, despite centuries of self-serving and self-fulfilling prophecies from institutions that benefit from the belief that humans – even newborns – are inherently evil or sinful (and conveniently need saving by those institutions), people are not inherently good or bad.
—Dan Carsen, al, 23 July 2023
That decision was almost certainly shaped by the complicated politics of running a major research university, in which concerns that a president has lost the ability to lead can quickly become self-fulfilling.
—Jonathan Wosen and Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 20 July 2023
Unfortunately, starting a conversation in this way can be a self-fulfilling prophecy.
—Janine Schindler, Forbes, 17 July 2023
That proves a self-fulfilling prophecy, as Fabio and Co. have one day only during which to complete their masterpieces.
—Lauren Puckett-Pope, ELLE, 6 July 2023
Assuming the worst can become a self-fulfilling prophecy!
—USA TODAY, 4 July 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-fulfilling.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near self-fulfilling
Cite this Entry
“Self-fulfilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-fulfilling. Accessed 3 Oct. 2023.
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