self-satisfaction

[ self-sat-is-fak-shuhn ]

noun

1. a usually smug satisfaction with oneself, one's achievements, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-satisfaction¹

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

It seemed to be a win all around — bestowing freedom on the confined, self-satisfaction to the social engineers and taxpayers a free lunch.

From Los Angeles Times

But Thomson added the thought of any self-satisfaction inside the clubhouse was a stretch, especially after last season’s loss in the NL Championship Series to Arizona and the 2022 World Series loss to Houston.

From Seattle Times

Manifesting the aggressive self-satisfaction that’s latent in so much of public radio is not necessarily a project that will have meaning or interest for a large audience.

From New York Times

“The Holdovers” means to send you out of the theater exuding holiday cheer and possibly some renewed faith in humanity, but all that lingers, really, is an overpowering whiff of self-satisfaction.

From Los Angeles Times

I partly agree with this story; but it’s also a monument to elite self-satisfaction.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• complacency
• smugness