Complacent Meaning and Definition
Complacent
Pronunciation
/kəmˈpleɪsnt/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Complacent refers to a feeling of self-satisfaction or smugness, often accompanied by a lack of concern or effort to improve or change one’s circumstances.
Examples
1. “The company’s complacent attitude towards innovation led to its decline in the market.”
2. “After achieving success, he became complacent and stopped striving for excellence.”
Synonyms
1. Smug
2. Self-satisfied
3. Contented
Antonyms
1. Dissatisfied
2. Ambitious
3. Motivated
Additional Information
Complacency can be a major obstacle to personal and professional growth, as it can lead to stagnation and a lack of innovation. It is essential to recognize the signs of complacency and take steps to overcome it, such as setting new challenges and goals, seeking feedback, and embracing a growth mindset.
Complacency can also be a result of past successes, which can create a false sense of security and lead to a lack of effort to improve or adapt to changing circumstances. It is crucial to stay vigilant and continue to strive for excellence, even in the face of success.
In addition, complacency can be a cultural phenomenon, where entire organizations or societies become complacent and resistant to change. This can lead to stagnation and decline, as well as a lack of innovation and progress.
Etymology
The word “complacent” comes from the Latin “complacere,” which means “to please oneself.” It has been used in the English language since the 15th century to describe a feeling of self-satisfaction or smugness.
Usage Notes
Complacent is often used to describe individuals or organizations that have become too comfortable or self-satisfied, leading to a lack of effort or innovation. It can also be used to describe a general attitude or mindset, rather than a specific behavior or action.
Cultural References
Complacency has been referenced in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music. For example, the phrase “complacent and self-satisfied” is used in the novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald to describe the wealthy elite of the 1920s.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
1. “Resting on one’s laurels” – This phrase means to become complacent and stop striving for excellence after achieving success.
2. “Getting too big for one’s britches” – This phrase means to become complacent and arrogant after achieving success or gaining power.
Collocations
1. Complacent attitude
2. Complacent smile
3. Complacent tone
Frequency of Use
Complacent is a moderately common word in modern language, often used in formal or professional contexts to describe a lack of effort or innovation.
Common Misspellings
1. Complacient
2. Complasent
3. Complisent