complacent about

USAGE SUMMARY

"complacent about" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to be self-satisfied or content with oneself or one's situation, often to the point of being unaware or unconcerned about potential problems or dangers. Example: She became complacent about her health after losing weight and exercising regularly, ignoring the doctor's warnings to continue monitoring her blood pressure.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm never complacent about success.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We shouldn't be complacent about this".

The New York Times

"We were complacent about our own market.

The New York Times - Tech

It made many complacent about risk.

The Economist

"We are not complacent about it".

The Guardian

We have nothing to be complacent about.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is nothing to be complacent about".

The Guardian - Books

"We can't be complacent about this".

The Guardian - Books

No one is complacent about it.

The New York Times - Sports

"We are certainly not complacent about it.

The Guardian

I got a little complacent about taking on debt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complacent about", ensure you clearly specify what the subject is being complacent about. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity in your writing. For example, instead of saying "They are complacent", specify "They are complacent about the safety regulations".

Common error

Be cautious of using "complacent about" in overly broad contexts without providing specific details. Overgeneralization can weaken your argument and make your statement less impactful. Providing precise context helps to illustrate the potential negative consequences of that specific complacency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complacent about" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun and expressing a state of being. It describes a subject's feeling of self-satisfaction or lack of concern regarding something, often with a negative implication. Ludwig provides various examples illustrating this function in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complacent about" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes a state of self-satisfaction or lack of concern. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts. The phrase typically carries a negative connotation, implying that the subject's complacency could lead to undesirable outcomes. It is most frequently found in news and media, as well as formal business contexts. When using this phrase, it is essential to be specific about what the subject is being complacent about to ensure clarity and impact. Avoid using it in overly broad generalizations. Considering alternative phrases like "unconcerned about" or "lax regarding" can also enhance the precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unconcerned about

Indicates a lack of worry or anxiety about something, suggesting a similar lack of vigilance.

satisfied with

Suggests a level of contentment that may prevent further action or improvement.

lax regarding

Implies a carelessness or negligence in relation to a particular matter.

negligent of

Highlights a failure to take proper care or attention concerning something.

inattentive to

Focuses on a lack of attention or observation, leading to a failure to notice potential problems.

unvigilant about

Emphasizes a failure to maintain watchfulness or alertness concerning a particular risk.

smug about

Conveys a sense of excessive pride or self-satisfaction that may lead to overlooking potential issues.

resting on one's laurels

Describes a state of complacency due to past successes, preventing further effort or improvement.

taking for granted

Suggests a lack of appreciation or awareness of the importance of something.

self-satisfied about

Highlights a contentment with oneself or one's achievements that may lead to stagnation.

FAQs

How can I use "complacent about" in a sentence?

Use "complacent about" to express a state of self-satisfaction or lack of concern regarding a specific issue. For example, "The company became "complacent about" its market share, leading to decreased innovation".

What are some alternatives to "complacent about"?

You can use phrases such as "unconcerned about", "satisfied with", or "lax regarding" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to be "complacent about" something?

To be "complacent about" something means to be overly content and self-assured, often to the point of neglecting potential risks or necessary improvements. It implies a lack of vigilance or proactive effort.

Is there a negative connotation when using "complacent about"?

Yes, "complacent about" typically carries a negative connotation. It suggests a potentially harmful lack of awareness or concern that could lead to negative consequences.