Complacency: meaning, definitions and examples
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complacency
[ kəmˈpleɪsənsi ]
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| smugness |
Best used when describing someone who is excessively pleased with themselves, often irritating others. It has a strong negative connotation.
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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.
self-satisfaction
Complacency can also refer to a feeling of self-satisfaction, especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies.
Synonyms
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.
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| conceit |
When someone has an excessive sense of their own importance or abilities. This often has a negative connotation.
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| satisfaction |
When someone feels contentment or pleasure due to a fulfilled desire or achieved goal.
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| 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.
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Examples of usage
- His complacency prevented him from striving for improvement.
- The team's complacency led to their downfall in the competition.
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
Etymology
The word 'complacency' originates from the Latin word 'complacentia', meaning 'satisfaction'. It first appeared in English in the early 17th century. Over time, its meaning evolved to include a sense of self-satisfaction and unawareness of potential dangers.