A “self-fulfilling prophecy” describes a prediction or expectation that helps cause the expected outcome to happen. Use it when the expectation itself influences behavior or conditions in a way that helps bring about the predicted result.
ReviewedEvidence1 sourceSectionPhrases & Idioms
Quick answer
“Self-Fulfilling Prophecy” means a prediction or expectation that helps cause the expected outcome to happen.
Key details
Canonical Formself-fulfilling prophecy
Core Meaninga prediction or expectation that helps cause the expected outcome to happen
Further guidance
Contextual Examples
“If managers assume a new hire will fail and therefore withhold support, the expectation can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.”
A forecast is not self-fulfilling merely because the predicted event later occurs; the expectation must help cause it.
History Boundary
Current dictionary-supported meaning is published without claiming an exact inventor, coinage date or absolute first use.
Meaning
a prediction or expectation that helps cause the expected outcome to happen
Meaning Boundary
The expectation must contribute to the outcome; a prediction that simply happens to be correct is not necessarily self-fulfilling.
Practical Use
Use “self-fulfilling prophecy” when an expectation influences behavior or conditions in a way that helps bring about the expected result.
Tone Boundary
Common in social, business, and general analysis; use causally and avoid overstating evidence.
Usage Boundary
Use it when the expectation itself influences behavior or conditions in a way that helps bring about the predicted result.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
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