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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Addressing this requires transparency and involvement; if workers feel excluded, burnout and distrust become self-fulfilling barriers. Moin Roberts-Islam, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 The already large deficit means that higher rates become a self-fulfilling problem as more and more of future bond raises goes towards paying interest, which investors demand a higher rate for, creating a growing deficit spiral in an inflationary environment. Mark Le Dain, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025 Fears of a recession also loom, said Finance Director Debbie Moreno, and sometimes those fears become self-fulfilling. Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 20 June 2025 But this risk-aversion becomes self-fulfilling: fewer novel approaches being tested means fewer opportunities for breakthrough discoveries. Samir Khleif, Time, 11 June 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 21 Jul. 2025.

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