Self-fulfilling
(adjective)
- Describing a prophecy or expectation that causes itself to come true, because people believe in it and act accordingly.
- Describing a process or situation that leads to its own outcome.
Origin:
Composed of the word "self" meaning "oneself" and "fulfilling" meaning "bringing to completion or realization".
Examples:
- The prophecy of the city's downfall was self-fulfilling, as people began to flee upon hearing the prediction.
- The manager's lack of confidence in his team was self-fulfilling, as the team began to lack confidence in themselves.
- The self-fulfilling prophecy of the stock market crash led to widespread panic and economic loss.
- His belief that he would fail the exam was self-fulfilling, as he didn't study and subsequently failed.
- The company's self-fulfilling cycle of poor management and low employee morale led to its eventual downfall.