a complacent attitude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complacent attitude" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mindset characterized by self-satisfaction and a lack of concern for potential dangers or deficiencies. Example: "His complacent attitude towards the project's challenges ultimately led to its failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

A Health and Safety Executive report in September accused the Pirbright laboratory of a "complacent" attitude to biosecurity.

The Guardian

A complacent attitude toward immunization in some nations largely reflects a lack of awareness of the public health hazard that can arise if the proportion of susceptible individuals is significant enough to allow renewed outbreaks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The result has prompted soul-searching in the Labour party, including whether it had adopted a complacent attitude to minority ethnic voters and become too dependent on family elders to deliver votes for Labour.

The Guardian

Amid concerns that ministers in London are adopting a complacent attitude towards the referendum, the Scotland secretary, Alistair Carmichael, "put the fear of God" into the cabinet by warning that the referendum could easily be lost by supporters of the United Kingdom.

The Guardian

"We encountered a complacent attitude to supporter ownership from the Football Association, Premier League and Football League, which each insist on maintaining their 'neutrality' on issues of ownership," said Jonathan Evans MP, chair of the group.

BBC

As the many liberal proposals for moral improvement of the world order indicate, liberal objections to world government whether they take the form of tyranny/homogeneity arguments and/or the inefficiency/soullessness objections are not motivated by a complacent attitude towards the contemporary world order and its resulting conditions (Pogge 2000).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The outline portrays the fatal Columbia mission as the tip of an iceberg of problems that include communications breakdowns and an increasingly complacent attitude toward warning signs.

The New York Times

"Pastoral ministry in a missionary key seeks to abandon the complacent attitude that says: "We have always done it this way".

Huffington Post

Pynchon characterises evil in such a way as to confront us with history's complacent attitude to the baddies of the real world.

The Guardian - Books

Today, 25 quarters on from a great crash that many blame on Gordon Brown's complacent attitude to City regulation, the economy is more-or-less the same size as it was.

BBC

It also provides a clear-eyed look at the Japanese regulatory regime that helped make the disaster all but inevitable, and makes a strong case that U.S. oversight is plagued by the same complacent attitude and undue industry influence.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a complacent attitude", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Is it a lack of concern, overconfidence, or simply indifference? Choose synonyms or related phrases to fine-tune your message.

Common error

Avoid using "a complacent attitude" when you mean contentment. Complacency carries a negative connotation of being unaware of potential problems, while contentment implies satisfaction and peace.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complacent attitude" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a particular mindset or disposition characterized by self-satisfaction and a lack of awareness or concern, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a complacent attitude" describes a state of self-satisfaction coupled with a lack of awareness of potential dangers or deficiencies. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not extremely common, its usage is distributed across news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedic entries, suggesting a neutral register. When using this phrase, be mindful of its negative connotation and ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning, distinguishing it from mere contentment or passivity. Related phrases such as "an indifferent stance" or "a lackadaisical approach" can offer alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unconcerned mindset

Focuses on a mental state lacking worry or anxiety, possibly inappropriately.

an indifferent stance

Highlights a lack of interest or concern about something.

a careless disregard

Highlights a lack of attention or concern for potential consequences.

a lackadaisical approach

Emphasizes a relaxed and unhurried manner, often implying a lack of seriousness.

a passive outlook

Focuses on a lack of active engagement or initiative.

a comfortable acceptance

Implies a willingness to tolerate or accept something without questioning or challenging it.

a detached perspective

Suggests emotional distance and a lack of involvement.

a state of apathy

Indicates a complete lack of interest or enthusiasm.

a self-assured manner

Implies confidence, sometimes to the point of being unwarranted or insensitive.

a smug satisfaction

Highlights a feeling of excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements.

FAQs

How to use "a complacent attitude" in a sentence?

You can use "a complacent attitude" to describe someone who is overly satisfied and unaware of potential dangers or problems. For example: "The company's "a complacent attitude" towards security made them vulnerable to cyberattacks."

What can I say instead of "a complacent attitude"?

You can use alternatives like "an indifferent stance", "a lackadaisical approach", or "a detached perspective" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "a complacent attitude" or "a complaisant attitude"?

While both words are related, "complacent" refers to self-satisfaction and a lack of concern, while "complaisant" means willing to please others or be compliant. Therefore, ""a complacent attitude"" is correct when describing someone who is overly content and unaware of risks.

What's the difference between "a complacent attitude" and "a passive attitude"?

"A complacent attitude" implies a sense of self-satisfaction and unawareness of potential problems, while "a passive attitude" suggests a lack of action or initiative. The former is about contentment, the latter about inaction.