complacent
Complacent (adj) means Too pleased with oneself or one's situation, especially in a way that ignores real risks. Example: “The team grew complacent after several easy wins and then lost badly.”
How to use complacent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSmugly satisfied and not worried enough about problems that could still go wrong.
Don't confuse with "complaisant" (eager to please others) — a near-homophone with a very different meaning.
Word forms
more complacent comparative, most complacent superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The team grew _____ after several easy wins and then lost badly.
Etymology
From Latin complacens, "very pleasing," from com- ("together") plus placere ("to please").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for complacent
See all rhymes for complacent →Frequently asked questions
What does “complacent” mean?
The word “complacent” means too pleased with oneself or one's situation, especially in a way that ignores real risks. In plain terms, smugly satisfied and not worried enough about problems that could still go wrong.
How do you pronounce “complacent”?
“Complacent” is pronounced kuhm-PLAY-suhnt (/kəmˈpleɪsənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “complacent” in a sentence?
Here is “complacent” used in a sentence: “The team grew complacent after several easy wins and then lost badly.”
What is another word for “complacent”?
Words with a similar meaning to “complacent” include smug, self-satisfied and placid.
What part of speech is “complacent”?
“Complacent” is an adjective.
Where does the word “complacent” come from?
The word “complacent” comes from Latin. From Latin complacens, "very pleasing," from com- ("together") plus placere ("to please").
Is “complacent” a common word?
“Complacent” is an uncommon word in modern English.