Legal Definitions - harbinger

Harbinger

A harbinger is a person or, more commonly, a thing that signals the approach of another event or situation. It acts as an early indicator or a precursor, suggesting what is likely to happen in the future. While historically referring to an officer sent ahead to arrange lodging, today the term broadly describes anything that foreshadows future developments.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of a harbinger:

• Example 1: The sudden, widespread adoption of a new, highly contagious variant of a virus in one region.

  Explanation: This regional outbreak could be a harbinger of a new global pandemic wave, indicating that the variant is likely to spread internationally and require updated public health responses.

• Example 2: A significant and sustained decline in new housing construction permits issued by local governments.

  Explanation: A drop in construction permits often serves as a harbinger of a potential slowdown in the real estate market or a broader economic contraction, as it suggests reduced investment and demand in the housing sector.

• Example 3: The consistent underperformance of a company's flagship product in quarterly sales reports.

  Explanation: Such consistent underperformance can be a harbinger of deeper issues within the company, such as declining market relevance, increased competition, or a need for strategic restructuring to avoid future financial difficulties.