complacent
/kəmˈpleɪsənt/
Group 11Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements GRE
Example in Context
The company grew complacent after years of market dominance, failing to notice the innovative startups gaining ground.
Synonyms
smugself-satisfiedcontent
Etymology
Pleased with oneself, often to the point of self-satisfaction.
- com- (Latin) — with, together
- placere (Latin) — to please
Memory Aid
😌Sounds like “come placent”
When you COMPLIANTLY COME to believe you’re the best, you’ll be so COMPLACENT, you’ll forget to even try!
Visual Association
😏A person lounging on a couch, smugly admiring their own reflection in a shiny trophy.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “complacent” mean on the GRE?
complacent (adjective) means “Showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements”. The company grew complacent after years of market dominance, failing to notice the innovative startups gaining ground.
How to remember “complacent” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “complacent” sounds like “come placent”. When you COMPLIANTLY COME to believe you’re the best, you’ll be so COMPLACENT, you’ll forget to even try!
What are synonyms for “complacent”?
Common synonyms: smug, self-satisfied, content.