- ə nsē, -si noun
( -es )
Etymology: Medieval Latin complacentia
1.
a. : the quality or state of being satisfied : a calm sense of well-being and security
any momentary complacency was generally sternly dispelled by the harsh criticism of the coach — A.C.Benson
especially : satisfaction or self-satisfaction accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies
a complacency doubtless engendered by railroading and banking — American Guide Series: Minnesota
the immense complacency of our population about civil defense — Reinhold Niebuhr
complacency in the performance of her car
b. : self-satisfaction , vanity
his candor was … coated with complacency — John Woodburn
2. archaic : complaisance or an instance thereof
3. obsolete : passive acquiescence
4. archaic : pleasure , delight