1
Core quality
Excessively self-satisfied or unconcerned, especially about risks or the need to improve.
Example
Early success made the organisation complacent about emerging risks.
complacent
/kəmˈpleɪsənt/ · kum-PLAY-suntadjective
Excessively self-satisfied or unconcerned, especially about risks or the need to improve.
Use complacent to express this relationship precisely: excessively self-satisfied or unconcerned, especially about risks or the need to improve.
What complacent Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
The report warns officials not to become complacent.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
A complacent response allowed minor defects to accumulate.
Use complacent Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Early success made the organisation complacent about emerging risks.
The report warns officials not to become complacent.
A complacent response allowed minor defects to accumulate.
Precision Matters
Complacent overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
complacent
vs.Means excessively self-satisfied or unconcerned, especially about risks or the need to improve.
indifferent
Means without interest, concern, or preference; unaffected.
complacent
vs.Means excessively self-satisfied or unconcerned, especially about risks or the need to improve.
adamant
Means firmly refusing to change a decision, belief, or position.
complacent
vs.Means excessively self-satisfied or unconcerned, especially about risks or the need to improve.
scrupulous
Means extremely careful about details, accuracy, or ethical correctness.
complacent
vs.Means excessively self-satisfied or unconcerned, especially about risks or the need to improve.
assiduous
Means showing persistent care, attention, and effort.
Test complacent in Context
Past success produced excessive confidence and reduced necessary vigilance.
1
After years without an accident, the factory became ___ and stopped conducting regular safety drills.