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

"There's no complacency there and they are playing at a high level, so I don't see why they can't win the Grand Slam. They're a formidable outfit."

From BBC

Quiet, unassuming, even shy, particularly in public, McSweeney was known for being obsessed by winning, constantly fearful of complacency and ever aware of Labour's track record of losing far more elections than it wins.

From BBC

Sam Underhill said Friday there will no complacency from England when they begin their bid for a first Six Nations Grand Slam in a decade against struggling Wales at Twickenham.

From Barron's

Yet experts say South Africa needs to be scared out of its complacency.

From BBC

According to royal sources, the lack of official comment so far from Buckingham Palace should not be seen as complacency, but royal aides are said to fully understand the sense of public upset.

From BBC