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Complacent vs Sufficient - What's the difference?

complacent | sufficient |

As adjectives the difference between complacent and sufficient

is that complacent is uncritically satisfied with oneself or one's achievements; smug while sufficient is equal to the end proposed; adequate to wants; enough; ample; competent; as.

As a determiner sufficient is

the smallest amount needed.

complacent

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Uncritically satisfied with oneself or one's achievements; smug.
  • Apathetic with regard to an apparent need or problem.
  • Usage notes

    * (term) should not be confused with its homophone, complaisant.

    Synonyms

    * smug * self-satisfied

    Derived terms

    * (l) * self-complacent

    sufficient

    English

    (Webster 1913)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Equal to the end proposed; adequate to wants; enough; ample; competent; as,
  • We have provision sufficient for the family
    This army is sufficient to defend the country.
    There is not sufficient access to the internet in the some small country villages.
  • Possessing adequate talents or accomplishments; of competent power or ability; qualified; fit.
  • A two-week training course is sufficient to get a job in the coach-driving profession.
  • (archaic) Capable of meeting obligations; responsible.
  • * 1668 , (Samuel Pepys), December 23 1668
  • ...to take the best ways we can, to make it known to the Duke of York; for, till Sir J. Minnes be removed, and a sufficient man brought into W. Pen's place, when he is gone, it is impossible for this Office ever to support itself.
  • self-sufficient; self-satisfied; content.
  • Derived terms

    * self-sufficient * sufficiency * sufficiently

    See also

    * adequate * ample * enough * plenty

    Determiner

    (en determiner)
  • The smallest amount needed.
  • Sufficient of us are against this idea that we should stop now.

    Statistics

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