The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

complacent

IPA:

Dictionary definition of complacent

Over-confident or satisfied with how things are and not feeling the need to try to improve or make changes.
"He was in danger of becoming complacent after a string of easy victories."

Detailed meaning of complacent

It can also describe a person who is unconcerned or unaware of potential problems or dangers. For example, a person who is content with their current job or living situation and who is not interested in seeking out new opportunities or challenges might be described as being complacent. A person who is unconcerned or unaware of potential problems or dangers in their environment might also be seen as being complacent. The term is often used to describe a person who is satisfied with their current situation or condition and who is therefore not motivated to make an effort to improve or change.

Example sentences containing complacent

1. He became complacent in his job and stopped putting in effort.
2. The company was criticized for becoming complacent in their market position.
3. She was accused of being complacent in addressing the problem.
4. The team's complacent attitude led to their defeat.
5. He was too complacent to see the warning signs.
6. The government was criticized for being complacent in dealing with the crisis.

History and etymology of complacent

The adjective 'complacent' has its roots in Latin, stemming from the word 'complacens,' which is the present participle of 'complacere,' meaning 'to please greatly' or 'to be satisfied with.' In Latin, 'complacens' was used to describe a state of being pleased or satisfied, often in a self-satisfied or smug manner. In English, 'complacent' was adopted in the 17th century to describe individuals who are overly confident and satisfied with the current state of affairs, to the point of being uninterested in or resistant to change or improvement. The term often carries a negative connotation, highlighting a lack of motivation or effort to strive for betterment. The etymology of 'complacent' underscores its historical connection to the idea of self-satisfaction and contentment, often to the detriment of progress or growth.

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Further usage examples of complacent

1. The employee's complacent attitude towards safety led to the accident.
2. The company's complacent approach to customer service was causing them to lose clients.
3. He was criticized for being complacent in his role as a leader.
4. She became complacent in her relationship and stopped putting in effort.
5. The team became complacent and subsequently lost to inferior opposition.
6. He was in no danger of becoming complacenet about his recent achievements.
7. He was careful not to become complacent over his recent success.
8. They must not get complacent about the quality of their products.
9. His parents are concerned he'll become complacent if he continues to have easy wins.
10. The company cannot afford to be complacent about its curent popularity.
11. You should never be complacent about your health.
12. You can never afford to be complacent about safety.
13. Her complacent attitude hindered her from seeking personal growth.
14. The team's complacent approach led to a decline in their performance.
15. He grew complacent in his success and stopped striving for excellence.
16. Complacent individuals often overlook opportunities for improvement.
17. The company's complacent leadership failed to adapt to changing markets.
18. She felt complacent in her comfort zone and avoided taking risks.
19. Complacent people often miss out on valuable learning experiences.
20. His complacent demeanor masked a fear of failure and rejection.
21. The teacher challenged her complacent students to reach their potential.
22. Complacency can be the enemy of innovation and progress.
23. The complacent CEO underestimated the competition and suffered losses.
24. They realized their complacent approach had cost them valuable time and opportunities.