Self-satisfied

Self-satisfied describes a person who appears pleased or content with themselves, their achievements, or their situation, often to an excessive or smug degree. This attitude often stems from a perceived sense of superiority, a lack of humility, and an unwillingness to acknowledge flaws or the perspectives of others. It is characterized by an air of complacency and a tendency to display pride, sometimes subtly, sometimes overtly, which can be off-putting to those around them. The core of being Self-satisfied is that they are contented, but perhaps to a fault, in their own abilities. This creates a somewhat negative connotation for the person who holds the trait.

Self-satisfied meaning with examples

• After acing the exam without studying, John gave a Self-satisfied smirk as he turned it in. His classmates, who had spent days preparing, couldn't help but feel annoyed by his apparent lack of effort and smug display. They viewed him as dismissive of their hard work, creating a noticeable divide.
• The CEO delivered a Self-satisfied speech, highlighting company profits while ignoring employee concerns about working conditions. This blatant disregard for the issues made many employees resentful. The contrast between the executive's pride and workers' worries was stark.
• With his perfect score in the competition, Mark presented a Self-satisfied expression as he collected his award. While admirable, the show of pure contentment was irksome to other competitors, even though his effort was undeniably present.
• Mary, a known perfectionist, gazed at her reflection with a Self-satisfied smile after arranging her home. Even as she admitted it looked good, her attitude grated on those who knew how far she'd go to make it look that way.
• The art critic, after dismissing the debut work, left the gallery with a Self-satisfied expression, happy that he'd showcased his superiority. His dismissive stance towards a young artist showcased his arrogance, alienating the artist and onlookers.