Complacent is an adjective used to describe a person who is overly self-satisfied, smug, or unconcerned—especially when they should be aware of potential dangers, problems, or the need for improvement. A complacent person may feel secure or content with the current situation, even if it is flawed, unjust, or deteriorating, and may resist change or growth because they believe everything is “good enough.”

In psychology and social theory, complacency can be seen as a kind of passive acceptance that inhibits critical thinking, progress, or moral responsibility. For example, someone might be complacent about systemic inequality, climate change, or personal habits that are unhealthy or destructive—not because they don’t know the issues exist, but because they’ve become numb to them, don’t feel personally impacted, or believe change is unnecessary or impossible.

The word originates from the Latin complacere, meaning “to please greatly,” but in modern usage, it often carries a negative connotation. It implies a stagnation or lack of awareness that can be dangerous in both personal development and collective societal action.