noun
complacency
kuhm-PLAY-suhn-see
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.”
noun
1
A feeling of comfortable self-satisfaction that makes someone unaware of a coming problem.
""However, incidents such as the derailment at Walton-on-Thames clearly show us that there is no room for complacency.""
— , Network News: RAIB report: rail left on the track derailed train travelling at 85mph (2025)
"Years of success led to complacency, and the company was blindsided by a new rival."
"Safety inspectors warned against complacency after the incident-free year."
How to use complacency
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing too comfortable and satisfied to notice or worry about a problem that's building up.
Common mistake
Complacency is usually a criticism — it implies a dangerous lack of vigilance, not simple contentment.
Common pairings
breed complacency
guard against complacency
a sense of complacency
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Word forms
- Plural
- complacencies
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
View more →Related words
Rhymes for complacency
agency
latency
urgency
potency
decency
regency
currency
tendency
clemency
leniency
frequency
emergency
See all 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.".
