Meaning & Definition of word "Complacent"

Complacent

/kəmˈpleɪ.sənt/

adjective:

  • 1. Showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements.
    • Example: Despite her recent successes, she remained humble and not at all complacent about her abilities.
  • 2. Characteristically self-satisfied, often to the point of being unaware of potential dangers or deficiencies.
    • Example: The team's complacent attitude towards the competition ultimately led to their unexpected defeat.
  • 3. Lacking awareness or concern for potential problems, often due to excessive satisfaction.
    • Example: His complacent demeanor suggested that he was unaware of the challenges ahead.
  • 4. Contentedly self-satisfied; marked by a lack of concern for others.
    • Example: The complacent citizens ignored the warnings about the impending storm.

Etymology

From Latin 'complacentem', meaning 'to please' or 'to be pleased.'

Common Phrases and Expressions

complacent attitude:

A self-satisfied and uncritical viewpoint that may ignore potential problems.

complacent society:

A society that is overly satisfied with the status quo, often ignoring issues that need attention.

Related Words

content:

In a state of peaceful happiness.

satisfied:

Pleased or content with what one has or has achieved.

prideful:

Feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of achievements.

Slang Meanings of complacent

Meaning: Too chill about problems.

Example Sentence: He's so complacent, he just shrugs off all the issues in his life.

Meaning: Living in a bubble of self-satisfaction.

Example Sentence: She’s in her complacent bubble, not realizing how hard things really are.