grounds for complacency

USAGE SUMMARY

"grounds for complacency" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means that a situation or circumstance could lead one to become too comfortable, self-satisfied, or negligent. It is often used as a warning to not become complacent. Example: The company's recent success may seem like grounds for complacency, but it's important to continue striving for improvement.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

There's not yet grounds for complacency.

The Guardian

The Conservative Party's finances are looking better, but it has no grounds for complacency, either.

The Economist

Despite the good news, the authors of the report make clear that there are no grounds for complacency.

Encyclopedia of Violence, Peace, & Conflict

There are no grounds for complacency, however, and lone parents with older children, in particular, need better support.

The Guardian - Business

"The government is us," says Joel Pitcher, an ex-soldier from Maine: if there's a "desperate feeling" in the country, "We have to act on that".Such optimism is not grounds for complacency.

The Economist

But that doesn't there are any grounds for complacency, as has been illustrated this week by the European commission backtracking disgracefully on a pledge - contained in its 2008 work programme - to extend the scope of EU anti-discrimination law.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Flanagan said: "There is no ground for complacency whatever.

The Guardian - Sport

There is even less ground for complacency in the recent figures on extreme poverty.

The New Yorker

On a knife-edge Not quite so keen ReprintsBut in Macedonia itself people see no ground for complacency.

The Economist

But opponents still want a local referendum before work starts.Neither in Italy nor elsewhere is there any ground for complacency about social peace in Europe's cities.

The Economist

That is good, but ground for complacency, which is why the Lib Dems' and Labour's move was overdue.The parties' proposals are much the same.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grounds for complacency", clearly state what specific actions or vigilance should not be relaxed, despite any apparent positive indicators. It's a phrase best used to temper optimism with a call for continued diligence.

Common error

Avoid assuming that recent successes or improvements automatically negate the need for further effort. The phrase "grounds for complacency" implies that while things may look promising, there's still work to be done, so don't fall into the trap of settling for mediocrity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grounds for complacency" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a preposition (e.g., "no grounds for complacency", "there are grounds for complacency"). It describes a situation or circumstance that could lead to unwarranted self-satisfaction or inaction. Ludwig AI confirms this common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

2.5%

Reference

2.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grounds for complacency" is a commonly used phrase that serves as a warning against unwarranted self-satisfaction. As Ludwig AI explains, it suggests that despite apparent progress or positive indicators, continued vigilance and effort are still necessary. Its usage is prevalent in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, clearly articulating what specific actions or diligence should not be relaxed. Failing to do so risks misinterpreting the situation and settling for mediocrity. Related phrases, such as ""reason for self-satisfaction"" or ""excuse for inaction"", offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments, each with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for self-satisfaction

Replaces "complacency" with a more descriptive term, highlighting the feeling of contentment.

basis for overconfidence

Emphasizes the risk of becoming too sure of oneself and one's abilities.

cause for smugness

Emphasizes the potential for an excessive sense of pride or superiority.

excuse for inaction

Focuses on the potential for the situation to lead to a lack of progress.

justification for relaxation

Highlights the temptation to ease up on efforts due to perceived success.

room for contentment

Suggests a potential for satisfaction that might lead to reduced vigilance.

occasion for ease

Indicates a situation where one might be tempted to reduce effort or attention.

warrant for ease

Indicates a situation where one might be tempted to reduce effort or attention.

no call for alarm

Implies that the lack of immediate threat could lead to negligence.

no need for vigilance

Focuses specifically on the potential for decreased attentiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "grounds for complacency" in a sentence?

You can use "grounds for complacency" to warn against becoming too self-satisfied despite apparent progress. For instance, "While initial results are encouraging, there are no "grounds for complacency"; we must continue to monitor the situation closely."

What are some alternatives to "grounds for complacency"?

Alternatives include phrases like "reason for self-satisfaction", "cause for smugness", or "excuse for inaction", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "ground for complacency" or "grounds for complacency"?

"Grounds for complacency" is the more commonly used and idiomatically correct phrase. While "ground" might be acceptable in some contexts, "grounds" is generally preferred in this expression.

What's the difference between "grounds for complacency" and "cause for concern"?

"Grounds for complacency" suggests a reason to be satisfied, but with a warning against becoming too relaxed. "Cause for concern" indicates a reason to worry or be anxious about a situation.