intellectual complacency

USAGE SUMMARY

"intellectual complacency" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It refers to a state of being satisfied or content with one's existing knowledge and not seeking to expand or challenge it. Example: Many experts warn against the dangers of intellectual complacency, as it can hinder personal growth and prevent individuals from considering alternative perspectives.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But for anyone deeply interested in these issues it provides an invigorating blast against received ideas and intellectual complacency.

The Economist

In an earlier collection of essays, The Culture of Lies, she roamed ferociously over the nationalist manias of Balkan politicians, but did not spare the intellectual complacency of the rest of Europe.

The Guardian - Books

The two men shared a passion for liberty, a suspicion of authority, an opposition to both injustice and intellectual complacency.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Baydar (who spent 12 years in exile after the 1980 coup, and is an advocate of Kurdish rights and peace) has little time for intellectuals' complacency.

The Guardian - Books

Yet it is unable to transcend an equally pervasive intellectual and spiritual complacency.

The New Yorker

Corruption, both the obvious kind driven by campaign finance, and the subtler kind deriving from the laziness, complacency, and intellectual arrogance of economists.

Huffington Post

Indeed, such complacencies of imperial intellectual cultures were what Rushdie had bravely attacked in his brilliant early phase.

The Guardian - Books

Toby Park, the intellectual, is determined to shatter the complacency of the well-fed bourgeois audience by confronting us with our own mortality.

The Guardian

Set in a Paris that seems to be populated entirely by artists and writers (some of whom also have beautiful houses in the country), the film affectionately tweaks the bad manners and complacency of France's intellectual elite.

The New York Times

The murder instantly became a symbol of the racism and ultranationalism grinding at the core of Turkish society, a war against freedom of expression, and the complacency of Turkey's intellectuals.

The New Yorker

If you're an intellectual, you would not want to claim middle classness, because it implies complacency and lack of rigour.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intellectual complacency" to describe situations where a reliance on past knowledge hinders adaptation to new information or challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "intellectual complacency" when you mean to express confidence in one's knowledge. "Intellectual complacency" implies a negative state of being overly content and unmotivated to learn more, whereas confidence suggests a healthy self-assurance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intellectual complacency" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As suggested by Ludwig, it identifies a specific state of mind characterized by a lack of intellectual curiosity or a satisfaction with one's existing knowledge.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intellectual complacency" is a valid noun phrase denoting a state of satisfaction with one's current knowledge, often hindering further learning and critical thinking. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English. While relatively rare in overall usage, it finds relevance in both News & Media and Scientific contexts. It is most often used to critique a state of intellectual stagnation, cautioning against contentment with current knowledge and urging continuous learning. Synonyms include "intellectual stagnation" and "lack of intellectual curiosity".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellectual stagnation

Focuses on the lack of progress or development in intellectual pursuits.

lack of intellectual curiosity

Highlights the absence of a desire to learn or explore new ideas.

smugness

Implies an excessive satisfaction with one's own intelligence or knowledge.

intellectual inertia

Emphasizes the resistance to change or movement in one's thinking.

complacent thinking

Highlights the passive and uncritical nature of the thought process.

self-satisfied intellect

Implies a contentment with one's current intellectual state, hindering further growth.

unquestioning acceptance of ideas

Focuses on the lack of critical thinking and analysis.

intellectual passivity

Highlights the lack of active engagement in intellectual pursuits.

cognitive ease

Describes a state where the brain avoids effortful thinking, potentially leading to intellectual stagnation.

resistance to new ideas

Highlights the unwillingness to consider alternative perspectives or challenge existing beliefs.

FAQs

How can I use "intellectual complacency" in a sentence?

"Intellectual complacency" can be used to describe a state of being satisfied with one's current knowledge, hindering further learning. For example: "The university professor warned his students against the dangers of /s/intellectual+complacency, urging them to constantly question and explore new ideas."

What are some synonyms for "intellectual complacency"?

Alternatives to "intellectual complacency" include "intellectual stagnation", "lack of intellectual curiosity", or "smugness".

What is the difference between "intellectual complacency" and "intellectual curiosity"?

"Intellectual complacency" is the opposite of "intellectual curiosity". The former implies a lack of desire to learn or explore, while the latter signifies a strong motivation to seek knowledge and understanding.

Is "intellectual complacency" a negative trait?

Yes, "intellectual complacency" is generally viewed as a negative trait because it can prevent personal and intellectual growth. Overcoming it requires active engagement with new ideas and a willingness to challenge existing beliefs.