Vocabulary
complacent
/kəmˈpleɪsənt/
adjective
Definition
Showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements; self-satisfied in a way that prevents further effort or improvement. Often implies dangerous overconfidence.
Etymology
From Latin 'complacere' meaning 'to be very pleasing,' from 'com-' (intensive) and 'placere' (to please). The word evolved from meaning 'pleased' to implying excessive self-satisfaction.
Learn this word in a 5-minute lesson
Hook, Story, Wonder, Action, Wisdom — one word at a time.
Start Today's Lesson — FreeNo account required. 365 lessons across 19 languages.
For Developers
Access this word programmatically via the Word Orb API. Free tier: 10,000 calls/day, no credit card.
curl https://api.wordorb.ai/api/word/complacent
View API Pricing →