disapproval A complacent person is very pleased with themselves or feels that they do not need to do anything about a situation, even though the situation may be uncertain or dangerous. We cannot afford to be complacent about our health. the Chancellor's complacent attitude towards the far-right's activities. pleased with a situation, especially something you have achieved, so that you stop trying to improve or change things - used to show disapproval (present participle of complacere , from com- ( COM-) + placere )