If you describe someone as self-satisfied, you mean that they are too pleased with themselves about their achievements or their situation and they think that nothing better is possible.
[disapproval]
You're so bloody self-satisfied.
She handed the cigar back to Jason with a self-satisfied smile.
Synonyms: smug, complacent, proud of yourself, well-pleased More Synonyms of self-satisfied
self-satisfied in British English
adjective
having or showing a complacent satisfaction with oneself, one's own actions, behaviour, etc
Derived forms
self-satisfaction (ˌself-ˌsatisˈfaction)
noun
self-satisfied in American English
(ˈsɛlfˈsætɪsˌfaɪd)
adjective
feeling or showing an often smug satisfaction with oneself or one's accomplishments
Derived forms
self-satisfaction (ˈself-ˌsatisˈfaction)
noun
Examples of 'self-satisfied' in a sentence
self-satisfied
There was a bit too much self-satisfied smirking.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Any measure that shakes up this self-satisfied and complacent group is to be encouraged.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The jazz soundtrack defines this oddity - often virtuosic and bewitching but slightly self-satisfied and overplayed.
The Sun (2014)
She gave me a knowing, self-satisfied smile.
Christianity Today (2000)
The rosy tint in their cheeks is not from tending the land; it comes from being smug and self-satisfied.