Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
self-fulfilling
adjective
/sɛlf-fʊlˈfɪlɪŋ/
Definition
A self-fulfilling prophecy is a prediction that causes itself to become true due to the behavior it generates.
Examples
- The teacher’s expectation that the students would fail the exam became self-fulfilling when they didn’t study due to lack of confidence.
- Her belief that she was not good at public speaking turned into a self-fulfilling prophecy when she avoided opportunities to practice.
Meaning
The term describes a scenario where a belief or expectation leads to its own realization. This often occurs when individuals act based on their beliefs, ultimately leading to the outcome they anticipated.
Synonyms
- self-perpetuating
- self-reinforcing
- predictive
