complacency
Complacency (noun) means a feeling of comfortable self-satisfaction that makes someone unaware of a coming problem. Example: “Years of success led to complacency, and the company was blindsided by a new rival.”
How to use complacency
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing too comfortable and satisfied to notice or worry about a problem that's building up.
Complacency is usually a criticism — it implies a dangerous lack of vigilance, not simple contentment.
Word forms
complacencies plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Years of success led to _____, and the company was blindsided by a new rival.
Etymology
From Late Latin complacentia, related to complacere, "to please greatly."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for complacency
Frequently asked questions
What does “complacency” mean?
The word “complacency” means a feeling of comfortable self-satisfaction that makes someone unaware of a coming problem. In plain terms, being too comfortable and satisfied to notice or worry about a problem that's building up.
How do you pronounce “complacency”?
“Complacency” is pronounced kuhm-PLAY-suhn-see (/kəmˈpleɪsənˌsiː/ in IPA).
How do you use “complacency” in a sentence?
Here is “complacency” used in a sentence: “Years of success led to complacency, and the company was blindsided by a new rival.”
What part of speech is “complacency”?
“Complacency” is a noun.
Where does the word “complacency” come from?
The word “complacency” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin complacentia, related to complacere, "to please greatly.".