complacency

American  

[kuhm-pley-suhn-see] / kəmˈpleɪ sən si /

Also complacence

noun

plural

complacencies

1. a feeling of quiet pleasure or security, often while unaware of some potential danger, defect, or the like; self-satisfaction or smug satisfaction with an existing situation, condition, etc.

2. Archaic.

   1. friendly civility; inclination to please; complaisance.

   2. a civil act.

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complacency British  

/ kəmˈpleɪsənsɪ /

noun

1. a feeling of satisfaction, esp extreme self-satisfaction; smugness

2. an obsolete word for complaisance

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Other Word Forms

• noncomplacence noun
• noncomplacency noun
• overcomplacence noun
• overcomplacency noun

Etymology

Origin of complacency

From the Medieval Latin word complacentia, dating back to 1635–45. See complacent, -cy

Example Sentences

Rescuers feel human complacency has a role alongside the changing weather, and, for officials like Bornet, the former is easier to overcome than the latter.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

“I’ve been surprised by the complacency of the equity market,” he added.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

But that doesn’t mean complacency is the answer.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

The reason for market complacency is well known.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 11, 2026

Are we willing to tolerate ignorance and complacency in matters that affect the entire human family?

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan