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Definition of complacency

complacency

/kəmˈpleɪsənsi/
com · pla · cen · cy
Adverb:complacently
•
Plural:complacencies
•
Adjective:complacent
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complacency Lexical Profile

complacency Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A feeling of smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements, often accompanied by a lack of awareness of actual dangers or deficiencies.

Example

"Early success in the market led to a dangerous sense of complacency among the company's executives."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for complacency
Antonyms
View all antonyms for complacency

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'complacency' (uncritical self-satisfaction) with 'complaisance' (an eager willingness to please or comply with others), though both derive from the same Latin root.

• Rhymes for complacency

• Nearby Words

compile
compiler
complacence
complacency
complacent
complacently
complain

Word Origin & Etymology

Entered English in the mid-17th century from Medieval Latin complacentia, from Latin complacere ('to be very pleasing'), formed from com- (intensive prefix) and placere ('to please').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Complacency. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/complacency
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