bring complacency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bring complacency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something causes a sense of self-satisfaction or lack of concern about potential dangers or deficiencies. Example: "The team's recent successes may bring complacency, leading them to underestimate their competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Saban said success can sometimes bring complacency and he wants his team to stay focused.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Nowadays, similar behaviour elicits large cheques from broadcasters and the adoration of viewers, yet there's no sense at all that such success has brought complacency.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But one passing grade shouldn't bring on complacency.

The Economist

Ultimately, inherited wealth tends to bring a sense of complacency with it.

WikiHow

It is a moment to question the complacency brought on by the satisfactions of the familiar.

The New York Times - Books

I get that the irreverence is meant to combat crisis fatigue, the complacency brought on by the annual onslaught of pink, yet it similarly risks turning people cynical.

The New York Times - Magazine

This has brought accusations of complacency on the part of Germany's political leaders (and, for that matter, the ECB), said to be slow to realise how the outlook was changing.

The Economist

But the change brought with it complacency and Haseeb Hameed was soon caught behind cutting Rashid before, in the next over, Luke Procter edged Lyth to Bresnan at slip.

The Guardian - Sport

Other analysts have tried their hands at explaining Ovechkin's drop-off: pouting over his reported feud with Coach Bruce Boudreau; complacency brought about by his 13-year, $124 million contract; being overwhelmed by the responsibility of wearing the captain's C since January 2010.

The New York Times - Sports

And the numbers are expected to continue to mount, at least for the next few years.Even in the richer world, which knows about preventive measures, complacency brought on by the availability of life-prolonging drugs may be lulling people back into bad habits.

The Economist

The plot turns on whether Peggy can break free of such conventions and the complacency brought on by comfort and wistful nostalgia (entertainingly suggested by the player piano that Roger has programmed to render only Cole Porter tunes), and can save her struggling marriage to boot.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To make your sentences more impactful, choose the verb that best describes how the complacency arises. Options like "breed", "foster", or "induce" each offer slightly different nuances.

Common error

Avoid using "bring complacency" when the situation only creates a possibility of complacency. Words like "risk" or "tend to" can soften the claim, preventing overstatement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bring complacency" functions as a verb phrase where "bring" is a transitive verb and "complacency" is its direct object. The primary function is to describe an action that causes or induces a state of complacency. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bring complacency" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe the act of causing or inducing a state of self-satisfaction and a lack of concern. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is usable in written English. It is important to choose precise language and context when using this phrase. Consider the source's formality and target audience when writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cause complacency

Directly states the act of causing complacency, a simpler and more straightforward alternative.

engender complacency

Similar to 'bring', but with a stronger connotation of creating or producing complacency.

breed complacency

Suggests that complacency arises from a particular environment or condition, as if it were being nurtured.

foster a sense of complacency

Focuses on the cultivation of complacency, rather than the direct act of bringing it about.

promote complacency

Focuses on the aspect of advancing or furthering a state of complacency.

encourage complacency

Suggests that something makes complacency more likely, rather than directly causing it.

induce a state of complacency

Emphasizes the act of causing complacency, often suggesting a more gradual or subtle process.

give rise to complacency

Formally suggests the origin of complacency, often used in academic or analytical contexts.

lead to complacency

Highlights the consequence of complacency, shifting the focus from the cause.

spark complacency

Implies a sudden or immediate onset of complacency, contrasting with a gradual development.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "bring complacency" to sound more formal?

To achieve a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "engender complacency" or "foster a sense of complacency". These options provide a more sophisticated and nuanced expression.

Is it correct to say "brought complacency" instead of "bring complacency"?

Yes, "brought complacency" is the past tense form of "bring complacency" and is grammatically correct when referring to a past event or situation. For example, "The team's previous victories "brought complacency", leading to their recent defeat".

What are some words that collocate well with "bring complacency"?

Common words that collocate well with "bring complacency" include "success", "ease", "comfort", and "security". These words help to illustrate the conditions or situations that often lead to a state of complacency.

How does "bring complacency" differ from "become complacent"?

"Bring complacency" describes the act of causing a state of complacency, while "become complacent" refers to the state of being complacent. For example, "The new policies may "bring complacency"", whereas "The team "became complacent" after a series of easy wins".