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Definition of complacent

complacent

/kəmˈpleɪ.sənt/
com · pla · cent
Adverb:complacently
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complacent Lexical Profile

complacent Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements, often while unaware of potential dangers or deficiencies.

Example

"After winning three consecutive championships, the team must not become complacent ahead of the new season."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for complacent
Antonyms
View all antonyms for complacent

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'complacent' (smugly self-satisfied and unaware of potential danger) with 'complaisant' (willing to please others or obliging), which shares the same Latin root.

• Rhymes for complacent

• Nearby Words

compiler
complacence
complacency
complacent
complacently
complain
complainant

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-17th century from Latin 'complacentem', the present participle of 'complacere' ('to be very pleasing'), from 'com-' (intensive prefix) and 'placere' ('to please'). Originally meaning 'pleasant or obliging', its modern negative sense of 'unedifyingly self-satisfied' developed by the 18th century.

Cite this Entry

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