Definition

1. Noun:
   • A feeling of quiet pleasure or security, often while unaware of potential danger, defect, or the need for improvement: A state of being satisfied with oneself or one's situation, typically to the point of being uncritical or unaware of risks.
   • Smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements: A sense of contentment that can lead to a lack of effort, vigilance, or desire for change.

Usage and Examples

• General Usage:
  • The team's early success led to a dangerous complacency, and they stopped practicing as hard.
  • We must guard against complacency in matters of national security.
  • Her complacency about her health was shattered by the doctor's diagnosis.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Complacency is the enemy of progress.": A common saying meaning that being too satisfied prevents improvement.
• "To lull someone into a false sense of complacency": To cause someone to feel secure and satisfied, making them less alert to danger.
  • The steady economy lulled investors into a false sense of complacency before the crash.

Variants and Related Words

• Complacent (Adjective): Showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements.
  • He had a complacent smile after winning the easy match.
• Complacently (Adverb): In a self-satisfied manner.
  • She nodded complacently, sure of her own correctness.

Synonyms

• Smugness: Excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements.
• Self-satisfaction: Satisfaction with oneself or one's situation.
• Contentment: A state of happiness and satisfaction. (Note: "Contentment" is generally positive, while "complacency" often has a negative connotation of being unearned or dangerous.)

Antonyms

• Dissatisfaction: Lack of satisfaction.
• Restlessness: Inability to rest or be satisfied.
• Vigilance: The action or state of keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• "Complacency kills": A warning that being overly satisfied and inattentive can lead to serious failure or disaster, often used in contexts like safety, business, or sports.
• "Basking in complacency": To enjoy a state of self-satisfaction, often without deserving it.
  • The company was basking in complacency while its competitors innovated.

Noun

1. the feeling you have when you are satisfied with yourself
   • his complacency was absolutely disgusting