COMPLACENCY Meaning and
Definition
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Complacency refers to a state of self-satisfaction or contentment, accompanied by a lack of awareness, concern, or motivation to change. It describes an attitude of smugness, often resulting from being satisfied with one's achievements or current circumstances, which leads to a neglect of potential opportunities for improvement or growth.
In the face of complacency, individuals tend to become apathetic, passive, or indifferent towards challenges or dangers. They may easily overlook or underestimate potential risks, feeling a false sense of security and assuming that everything will continue to go smoothly. This attitude can hinder personal or professional development and may lead to stagnation or a decline in performance.
Complacency is often associated with a reluctance to take risks, lack of ambition, or resistance to change. It reflects an unwillingness to step out of one's comfort zone, try new things, or pursue higher goals. Individuals in a state of complacency often resist constructive criticism or feedback, as they feel satisfied with their current level of achievement and do not see the need for improvement.
In a broader context, complacency can exist within organizations or societies, leading to a lack of innovation, progress, or adaptation. It can hinder a company's ability to stay competitive, as complacent employees may resist necessary changes or fail to identify emerging threats or opportunities. Similarly, a complacent society may be resistant to societal, political, or environmental changes, hindering overall growth and development.
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Pleasure; satisfaction; cause of pleasure.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for COMPLACENCY *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for COMPLACENCY
Etymology of COMPLACENCY
The word "complacency" originated from the Latin word "complacentia", which is derived from the verb "complacere". "Complacere" is a combination of "com", which means "intensive" or "thoroughly", and "placere", meaning "to please" or "to satisfy". The Latin word "complacentia" had a positive connotation, referring to a feeling of satisfaction, pleasure, or contentment. However, over time, the meaning of the word evolved in English to its current negative sense, indicating a state of self-satisfaction or unawareness of potential dangers, risks, or problems.
Similar spelling words for COMPLACENCY
- complacence,
- complication,
- completely,
- compulsions,
- conflate,
- completed,
- complaining,
- complicate,
- compline,
- complaint,
- complete,
- complaisance,
- compliance,
- complexly,
- complexion,
- complaisant,
- complainingly,
- complain,
- self-complacency,
- complect,
- complexity,
- complicated,
- complexify,
- completion,
- compliancy,
- complainant,
- complection,
- complacent,
- complaintive,
- complexness,
- complacently.
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