complacency
C1-C2Formal, critical
Definition
Meaning
A feeling of smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements, especially when accompanied by a lack of awareness of potential dangers or deficiencies.
A state of being complacent; self-satisfaction combined with a lack of concern for potential problems, leading to inaction or carelessness.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Always carries a negative, critical connotation. Refers not merely to satisfaction, but to a dangerous or unwise satisfaction that prevents necessary action or vigilance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Both varieties use the word identically.
Connotations
Identical negative connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British political and social commentary; common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Complacency about [something]Complacency among [group]Complacency over [issue]Complacency sets inA mood of complacencyVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Rest on one's laurels”
- “Be lulled into a false sense of security”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Warning against market complacency after a period of success, which can lead to missed threats from competitors.
Academic
Used in political science and history to analyze why regimes or societies fail to see impending crises.
Everyday
Used critically to describe someone who is too pleased with their situation and isn't making an effort.
Technical
In safety engineering, describing a culture where routine leads to a lack of attention to hazards.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They warned that success must not be allowed to complacency the team.
- The board seemed to complacency itself after the merger.
American English
- They cautioned that winning shouldn't complacency the organization.
- The management appeared to complacency following the record profits.
adverb
British English
- He nodded complacently, sure of his victory.
- She smiled complacently, ignoring all the warning signs.
American English
- He leaned back complacently, certain the deal was done.
- She waved her hand complacently, dismissing the concerns.
adjective
British English
- His complacent smile irritated those who saw the looming crisis.
- A complacent attitude pervaded the government department.
American English
- Her complacent demeanor annoyed the more vigilant committee members.
- A complacent mindset had infected the entire division.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher said our good marks should not lead to complacency.
- After winning the championship, the team's complacency caused them to lose the next game.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a COMPLAINING person becoming silent and self-satisfied (COMPLACENT) because they think everything is perfect now (COMPLACENCY).
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPLACENCY IS A DANGEROUS COMFORT / A SLEEP OF REASON.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'самоуспокоенность' (too mild) or 'самодовольство' (more about pride). The closest is 'беспечность' (carelessness) or 'самообман' (self-deception) combined with satisfaction.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing with 'complaisance' (willingness to please).
- Using in a positive sense (e.g., 'He felt a well-earned complacency'). Incorrect.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following scenarios BEST illustrates 'complacency'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is always used critically to describe a dangerous or foolish state of self-satisfaction.
Satisfaction is a neutral or positive feeling of contentment. Complacency is satisfaction that makes you ignore real problems or stop trying.
It is very commonly used to describe the mood or attitude of groups, organizations, or even entire societies (e.g., 'public complacency', 'corporate complacency').
The related adjective is 'complacent', pronounced /kəmˈpleɪ.sənt/ in both British and American English.