Complacency: meaning, definitions and examples

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complacency

[kəmˈpleɪsənsi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling of satisfaction

Complacency is a feeling of quiet pleasure or security, often while unaware of some potential danger, defect, or the like.

Synonyms

contentment, self-satisfaction, smugness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
complacency	Use in situations where someone is overly satisfied with themselves or their situation, often leading to a lack of effort or awareness of potential dangers or defects. It generally has a negative connotation. His complacency about the safety protocols led to a major accident. There's a level of complacency in the team, which might cost us the championship.
contentment	Appropriate when referring to a state of happiness and satisfaction with life, without any desire for more. It has a positive or neutral connotation. She found contentment in the simple pleasures of life. After years of hard work, he finally reached a state of contentment.
self-satisfaction	Suitable for describing someone who is pleased with their own achievements or abilities, often to the point of arrogance. It can have a neutral or slightly negative connotation depending on the context. Her self-satisfaction was evident as she boasted about her latest promotion. He listened with self-satisfaction to the compliments about his book.
smugness	Best used when describing someone who is excessively pleased with themselves, often irritating others. It has a strong negative connotation. His smugness after winning the award was unbearable. She spoke with a smugness that alienated her colleagues.

Examples of usage

His complacency was shattered when he realized he had been living a lie all this time.
She was lulled into complacency by the peaceful surroundings, not realizing the imminent threat.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

self-satisfaction

Complacency can also refer to a feeling of self-satisfaction, especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies.

Synonyms

conceit, pride, satisfaction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
complacency	When someone is too comfortable with their current situation and doesn't see the need for improvement. His complacency in his job made him miss an important deadline
conceit	When someone has an excessive sense of their own importance or abilities. This often has a negative connotation. Her conceit made it hard for her to accept any constructive criticism
satisfaction	When someone feels contentment or pleasure due to a fulfilled desire or achieved goal. She felt a great sense of satisfaction after completing the project
pride	When someone feels deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of their own achievements, qualities, or possessions. This can be positive or negative depending on the context. He felt a sense of pride after winning the competition

Examples of usage

His complacency prevented him from striving for improvement.
The team's complacency led to their downfall in the competition.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Latin 'complacentia,' meaning 'satisfaction' or 'pleasure'.
It entered the English language in the early 17th century, reflecting a growing emphasis on individual fulfillment.
The term's meaning has shifted, now often highlighting the negative side of being overly content.

Psychology

Complacency can lead to a lack of motivation for self-improvement, as individuals may ignore areas that need growth.
Studies show that complacency can result in decreased performance, especially in competitive environments.
This state of mind can create a cycle where people fail to recognize risks or potential failures ahead.

Business

In the business world, complacency can be detrimental; companies that stop innovating may lose competitive edge.
The phrase 'complacency kills' is often used in business to warn against the dangers of becoming too comfortable or satisfied with current success.
Many businesses conduct regular assessments to counteract complacency and ensure ongoing improvement.

Culture

Complacency is often depicted in literature as a flaw of characters who ignore warning signs leading to their downfall.
In modern media, complacency can be critiqued as a societal issue where people take their freedoms and privileges for granted.
The theme of complacency versus vigilance is a common one in films, showcasing characters who either thrive or fail based on their awareness.

Science

Research in behavioral science highlights complacency as a factor that can impact safety practices, such as in workplaces or on the road.
Cognitive dissonance often plays a role in reinforcing complacent attitudes; people may refuse to believe evidence of a problem to maintain their comfort.
In ecology, complacency among species can lead to vulnerability; those that adapt less to environmental changes risk extinction.

Translations

Translations of the word "complacency" in other languages:

🇵🇹 complacência

🇮🇳 आत्मसंतोष

🇩🇪 Selbstzufriedenheit

🇮🇩 kepuasan diri

🇺🇦 самозадоволення

🇵🇱 samozadowolenie

🇯🇵 自己満足 (じこまんぞく)

🇫🇷 complaisance

🇪🇸 complacencia

🇹🇷 rehavet

🇰🇷 자기만족 (jagiman-jog)

🇸🇦 الرضا عن النفس

🇨🇿 samolibost

🇸🇰 samolibosť

🇨🇳 自满 (zìmǎn)

🇸🇮 samozadovoljstvo

🇮🇸 sjálfsánægja

🇰🇿 өз-өзіне қанағаттану

🇬🇪 თვითკმაყოფილება

🇦🇿 özünə qane olma

🇲🇽 complacencia

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,254, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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15251 gliding
15252 compacted
15253 optically
15254 complacency
15255 victor
15256 mechanization
15257 buddy
...