Complacent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
complacent
[kษmหpleษชsษnt ]
Definition
self-satisfied
Complacent describes a state of being self-satisfied or overly content with oneself, often to the point of being unaware of potential dangers or deficiencies. This term usually carries a negative connotation, indicating a lack of awareness or concern about shortcomings. People who are complacent may ignore important changes or challenges because they feel that everything is satisfactory, thereby risking their future success or safety.
Synonyms
content, self-satisfied, smug, unconcerned.
Examples of usage
- He became complacent about his job performance.
- The team's complacent attitude led to their unexpected defeat.
- Despite the warnings, she remained complacent about the project's potential risks.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Complacency can lead to a lack of awareness about risks and challenges, making one less likely to act.
- Itโs often linked to overconfidence, where people underestimate potential problems.
- Researchers suggest that being complacent can hinder personal growth and problem-solving.
Business
- In the business world, complacency can result in lost opportunities, as companies may ignore market changes.
- Successful companies regularly evaluate their strategies to avoid becoming complacent.
- Leaders are often encouraged to cultivate a culture of innovation to combat complacency among employees.
Literature
- In classic literature, characters may become complacent, leading to their downfall, illustrating moral lessons.
- Many authors use complacency to showcase the dangers of ignoring personal responsibilities or social issues.
- For example, in George Orwell's '1984', complacency in citizens allows totalitarianism to thrive.
Pop Culture
- Complacent characters often appear in films and TV shows, representing those who are blind to the challenges around them.
- Popular songs sometimes critique societal complacency, urging listeners to wake up and take action.
- In motivational speeches, complacency is frequently warned against as a barrier to achieving greatness.
Origin of 'complacent'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'complacere', meaning 'to please greatly'.
- It entered English in the early 19th century, carrying the idea of self-satisfaction.
- Interestingly, it originally had a positive connotation before it gained its current negative shade.
The word 'complacent' comes from the Latin verb 'complacere', which means 'to be pleasing'. It was first adopted into the English language in the late 17th century, evolving from its original sense of being pleased with oneself. Over time, the meaning shifted slightly to signify not only satisfaction but also a certain degree of smugness and self-satisfaction, leading to a lack of awareness of potential dangers. The term gained a more critical tone as it reflected a state of uncritical satisfaction that could lead to complacency in various aspects of life, including personal, professional, and societal contexts. In modern usage, it is largely used to describe individuals or groups that are overly satisfied with their achievements or situations, often to their detriment.