complacent

What does “complacent” mean?

adjective.showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements.

SAT Usage

This term often appears in passages discussing themes of self-satisfaction, achievement, or social critique. It emphasizes a sense of uncritical self-satisfaction that can lead to stagnation or a lack of awareness of potential dangers, distinguishing it from similar words like "content," which does not carry the negative connotation of smugness or complacency.

Common Confusions

Complacent implies a smug or uncritical satisfaction with one’s achievements, while content usually suggests a peaceful acceptance and satisfaction without the negative connotation of self-satisfaction or stagnation.

Example Sentences

• The coach warned the players not to become complacent.

• After a string of easy wins, the team grew complacent and stopped practicing.

Word Parts: How to Remember “complacent”

Break “complacent” into its parts: co- (together, with). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: co- together, with (Latin)