complacency
What does "complacency" mean?
Complacency describes a state of self-satisfaction accompanied by an unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies. Imagine someone sitting comfortably in a boat that has a small, unnoticed leak; they are so pleased with the beautiful weather that they fail to see they are slowly sinking. It is a formal term often used in professional or critical contexts to warn against becoming too comfortable with past successes. While it sounds similar to "contentment," it carries a negative connotation because it implies a lack of ambition or a dangerous neglect of potential problems.
"complacency" in conversation
Work meeting
We cannot afford complacency just because we beat our quarterly targets.
We cannot afford complacency just because we beat our quarterly targets.
I agree, the market is changing too fast to sit still.
I agree, the market is changing too fast to sit still.
Used here to caution against resting on one's laurels.
Sports commentary
Their early lead led to total complacency on the field.
Their early lead led to total complacency on the field.
And that's exactly how they lost the momentum in the second half.
And that's exactly how they lost the momentum in the second half.
Highlights how success can sometimes lead to a drop in performance.
"complacency" in a sentence
Success can often lead to complacency.
Success can often lead to complacency.
The government was criticized for its complacency regarding the impending environmental crisis.
The government was criticized for its complacency regarding the impending environmental crisis.
One must guard against the complacency that arises from a prolonged period of stability and lack of competition.
One must guard against the complacency that arises from a prolonged period of stability and lack of competition.
