feel complacent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel complacent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a state of self-satisfaction or a sense of security that may lead to a lack of awareness of potential dangers or deficiencies. Example: "After achieving his goals, he began to feel complacent and stopped striving for further improvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"You never feel complacent," she says.

The Guardian - Books

But the mainstream political elite should not feel complacent.

The Guardian - Opinion

The report stresses that there is no room for employers to feel complacent.

The Guardian

We should not sit back and feel complacent that the world beyond us will figure this out without political pressure.

The Guardian

Pundits - presumably ones who've been lucky enough not to go through the experience themselves and can feel complacent and superior and pitying and smug - talk about people taking divorce lightly, but I've only ever met people who take it very heavily indeed.

The Guardian

I don't feel complacent".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

For all its fine qualities, Paterson feels complacent and self-regarding.

The Guardian - Film

Nick Mangold: "It was saying he was lazy, didn't put the work in, felt complacent, and I think it couldn't be more further from the truth.

The New York Times

He continued, "To say that our intelligence community follows the law, and is staffed by patriots, is not to suggest that I or others in my Administration felt complacent about the potential impact of these programs".

The New Yorker

To say that our intelligence community follows the law, and is staffed by patriots, is not to suggest that I, or others in my Administration, felt complacent about the potential impact of these programs.

The Guardian

Adeshola: In our last conversation, you talked about how you felt complacent and like you weren't learning and how that inspired you to change your life.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel complacent" to caution against becoming too comfortable in a situation, especially when it could lead to negative consequences like decreased performance or missed opportunities. It's suitable when you want to emphasize the potential risk of self-satisfaction.

Common error

Don't use "feel complacent" in a way that obscures who is experiencing this feeling. Ensure the subject is clear to maintain a direct and impactful statement. For example, instead of "Complacency was felt", write "The team began to feel complacent".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel complacent" primarily functions as a descriptive expression, combining a verb of sensation ("feel") with an adjective ("complacent") to describe a state of being. It indicates a subjective experience of being overly content and unworried, often in a way that is unwise or risky. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "feel complacent" describes a state of being overly content or unworried, which can be risky. Although grammatically sound, it's essential to use this phrase judiciously to highlight the potential dangers of excessive satisfaction and to clearly identify who is experiencing this feeling. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase. While not extremely frequent, it is common in News & Media and Science, making it suitable for various formal and informal contexts. Consider alternatives like ""feel self-satisfied"" or ""become too comfortable"" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel self-satisfied

This alternative emphasizes satisfaction with oneself and one's achievements.

become too comfortable

Focuses on the potential for negative consequences of excessive ease.

grow apathetic

Highlights the development of indifference and lack of enthusiasm.

lose vigilance

Emphasizes the decline in watchfulness and alertness to potential threats.

rest on one's laurels

This idiom implies ceasing to strive after achieving success.

let one's guard down

Suggests a reduction in defenses or precautions.

take things for granted

Focuses on underappreciating the value or importance of something.

become inattentive

Describes a decline in attentiveness or focus.

feel secure

This is a more neutral phrasing, focusing on a sense of safety and well-being.

lack concern

Directly indicates a deficiency in worry or interest.

FAQs

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

You can use "feel complacent" to describe a state of being satisfied and unworried, often to a degree that is unwise. For example: "After the initial success, the team started to feel complacent and their performance declined."

What can I say instead of "feel complacent"?

You can use alternatives like "feel self-satisfied", "become too comfortable", or "lose vigilance" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "feel complacent"?

Yes, "feel complacent" is grammatically correct. "Feel" is a verb, and "complacent" is an adjective describing the state of being.

What's the difference between "feel complacent" and "feel satisfied"?

"Feel satisfied" generally implies contentment, while "feel complacent" suggests a potentially dangerous level of self-satisfaction that can lead to inaction or a lack of awareness. Complacency often carries a negative connotation.