complacency
Meaning: A feeling of smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements, often while unaware of potential dangers.
Complacency carries a distinctly negative connotation — it describes a dangerous self-satisfaction that blinds a person or organisation to risks and shortcomings. It implies that success or comfort has bred a false sense of security. It is common in business, political, and sporting commentary, where 'guarding against complacency' is a standard exhortation. Common collocations include 'breed complacency,' 'guard against complacency,' 'dangerous complacency,' and 'no room for complacency.'
Examples
- The manager warned against complacency after the team's comfortable victory in the first leg. 经理在第一回合轻松获胜后警告球队不要自满。El entrenador advirtió contra la complacencia tras la cómoda victoria del equipo en el partido de ida.監督は、第1戦での快勝の後、チームに慢心を戒めた。감독은 1차전에서의 편안한 승리 이후 안이함을 경계하라고 경고했다.
- Years of market dominance had bred a complacency in the company that its rivals were quick to exploit. 多年的市场主导地位在公司内部滋生了自满情绪,竞争对手迅速加以利用。Años de dominio del mercado habían engendrado en la empresa una complacencia que sus rivales supieron explotar rápidamente.長年の市場支配が社内に慢心を生み、ライバル企業はその隙をすかさず突いた。오랜 시장 지배가 회사에 안이함을 키웠고, 경쟁사들은 그 틈을 재빨리 파고들었다.
- There is no room for complacency in the fight against antibiotic resistance. 在对抗抗生素耐药性的斗争中,不容有任何自满。No hay margen para la complacencia en la lucha contra la resistencia a los antibióticos.抗菌薬耐性との闘いにおいて、慢心の余地は一切ない。항생제 내성과의 싸움에서 자만의 여지는 전혀 없다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: media, professional, general
Tone: negative
Origin & History
From Latin complacentia (pleasure, satisfaction), from complacere (to be very pleasing), from com- (with, thoroughly) + placere (to please). The negative connotation of smug self-satisfaction is a relatively modern English development.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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