a state of false security

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a state of false security" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone feels safe or secure, but that feeling is misleading or unfounded. Example: "The company's lack of security measures left them in a state of false security, believing their data was safe from cyber threats."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Ignoring the potential NCD status enables the person to live in a state of false security and comfort.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The state aid provided a sense of false security which prevented the press from reforming itself".

The Guardian

It will stay in a state of calm, soothing bliss for fifteen minutes at a time, lulling its occupants into a sense of false security.

Vice

If it gets out of hand it could give you a sense of false security".

BBC

Representative Gary L. Ackerman, a Queens Democrat, asked whether the public had been "lulled into a false state of security" by federal and state officials' assurances that the Giuliani administration's use of pesticides carried with it minimal health risks.

The New York Times

Holder said the country remains in a state of war, but he warned against accepting a "false choice" between upholding civil liberties and protecting national security.

The Washington Post

But it's a false security.

The New York Times

Some people will be tempted to retreat into the false security of a right-wing populism.

University of California, Berkeley

A lot of false sense of security.

Forbes

False Security?

Los Angeles Times

By continuing to rely on nuclear deterrence for security, nuclear weapon states have developed a false sense of security that places all of humankind in great danger.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a state of false security" when you want to emphasize the overall condition or situation that creates a deceptive feeling of safety, rather than just the feeling itself.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something feels safe, it actually is. Always verify security measures and assess potential risks to avoid being lulled into a "state of false security".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a state of false security" functions as a noun phrase, describing a condition or situation characterized by a deceptive feeling of safety. Ludwig AI confirms this expression is usable in written English, denoting a misleading sense of safety.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a state of false security" describes a situation where safety or protection is perceived but not actually present. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is correct and usable in English, denoting a misleading feeling of safety. It's essential to distinguish between feeling secure and actually being secure, and to avoid complacency based on inadequate safeguards. Common alternatives include ""a false sense of security"" and ""an illusion of safety"". To prevent falling into this trap, always verify security measures and continuously assess potential risks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a false sense of security

Focuses on the feeling of security rather than the condition or state.

an illusion of safety

Emphasizes the deceptive nature of the perceived safety.

a deceptive sense of security

Highlights the misleading quality of the feeling of safety.

a specious sense of security

Indicates that the security is superficially plausible but ultimately false.

unwarranted sense of safety

Implies that the feeling of safety is not justified by the actual circumstances.

misplaced confidence

Highlights the inappropriate or unjustified nature of the confidence.

false comfort

Focuses on the deceptive sense of ease and well-being.

illusory protection

Highlights the deceptive nature of the protection.

superficial security

Emphasizes the lack of depth and genuine safety.

precarious safety

Highlights the instability and potential for danger beneath the surface.

FAQs

What does "a state of false security" mean?

It refers to a situation where individuals or entities feel safe or protected, but this feeling is not justified by the actual circumstances. It implies a deceptive or misleading sense of safety.

How is "a state of false security" different from "a false sense of security"?

"A state of false security" emphasizes the condition or situation creating the illusion, while ""a false sense of security"" highlights the feeling or perception of safety, regardless of the actual state.

Can you provide an example of "a state of false security"?

A company that relies solely on antivirus software without regularly updating it might be in "a state of false security", believing they are protected from all threats when new vulnerabilities are constantly emerging.

What are some alternative ways to describe "a state of false security"?

Alternatives include "an illusion of safety", a deceptive sense of security, or misplaced confidence, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.