complacent
Definitions
Pleased with oneself or one's situation, so much that one stops trying or fails to notice danger; smug.
自满的，自鸣得意的；（因满足而）麻痹大意的。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcom- (thoroughly) + plac (please, from placēre) + -ent (adj.) = 'thoroughly pleased' — but pleased with oneself. That self-satisfaction tips into smugness: too comfortable to stay alert. complacent is almost always a criticism.
Root plac still carries 14 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.grow complacent变得自满
- 2.become complacent开始麻痹大意
- 3.complacent attitude自满的态度
- 4.dangerously complacent危险地掉以轻心
Example Sentences
- 1.
After two easy wins, the team grew complacent and lost the final.
- 2.
We cannot afford to be complacent about climate change.
- 3.
His complacent smile suggested he saw no reason to worry.
Easily Confused
complacent vs complaisant — These twins share the root plac but point opposite ways. complacent = pleased with yourself (smug, too comfortable). complaisant = eager to please others (obliging, submissive). If the person is self-satisfied → complacent; if they bend over backwards for someone else → complaisant. complaisant is rare and formal; in everyday English, the word you almost always want is complacent.
Synonym Comparison
- complacent — self-satisfied to the point of carelessness; implies hidden risk
- smug — openly pleased with oneself in an irritating way; about attitude/expression
- self-satisfied — neutral-to-negative, pleased with one's own achievements
- content — simply satisfied, with no negative implication
- overconfident — too sure of success, focus on misjudging odds rather than comfort