it became complacent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it became complacent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone or something has become self-satisfied or uncritical, often leading to a lack of progress or awareness of potential dangers. Example: "After years of success, the company became complacent and failed to innovate, ultimately losing its competitive edge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But it became complacent.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Australia runs the risk of becoming a "nation of bystanders" if it becomes complacent about fighting domestic violence, the former chief of army and 2016 Australian of the Year David Morrison has said.

The Guardian

I rebuilt my life and it became wonderful, but I became complacent and forgot.

Vice

Despite the reputation of the nonprofit Animal Medical Center as a leading veterinary hospital — sometimes called the Mayo Clinic of veterinary care — it has became complacent in recent years, say some of the city's animal care professionals, leaving it open to competition.

The New York Times

He added: "They probably thought they had got away with it, and became complacent or arrogant.

The Guardian

Spindler said the gang made errors and believed the hype surrounding the heist: "They probably thought they had got away with it, and became complacent or arrogant.

The Guardian

She found some needles one time and was like, "What are these for?" It slowly progressed where she became complacent as well.

Vice

I never became complacent".

The Guardian

Kirksay said Iona became complacent.

The New York Times - Sports

European governments became complacent and stopped pushing the policies needed to save the euro.

The New York Times

Japanese carmakers like Toyota and Honda became complacent about their frontrunner status.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it became complacent", ensure the subject is clearly defined and that the context illustrates the negative consequences of this complacency. This enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "it became complacent" without providing specific examples of the complacency's effects. Instead of saying, "The team became complacent", specify, "The team became complacent, neglecting to update their skills and falling behind industry standards."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "it became complacent" is to act as a predicate in a sentence, describing a state or condition that the subject has transitioned into. Ludwig AI confirms this usage aligns with standard English grammar, indicating a correct and understandable construction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it became complacent" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to describe a state of declining performance or effort due to overconfidence or self-satisfaction. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage across various reputable sources, predominantly in the News & Media category. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject is clearly defined and the consequences of the complacency are evident to maximize clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it grew self-satisfied

Focuses on the aspect of being overly pleased with oneself, leading to inaction.

it rested on its laurels

Highlights the idea of ceasing to strive for improvement after initial success.

it lost its edge

Emphasizes a decline in competitiveness or effectiveness.

it became passive

Stresses a lack of active involvement or initiative.

it stagnated

Indicates a halt in progress or development.

it declined in vigilance

Focuses on reduced alertness and awareness of potential threats or problems.

it eased up

Suggests a reduction in effort or intensity.

it lost momentum

Implies a decrease in the force or speed of movement or progress.

it became lax

Highlights a decline in strictness or care.

it became apathetic

Focuses on a lack of interest or concern.

FAQs

What does "it became complacent" mean?

The phrase "it became complacent" means that something or someone has become overly content and self-satisfied, often leading to a lack of effort or awareness of potential problems.

How can I use "it became complacent" in a sentence?

You can use "it became complacent" to describe a decline in performance or vigilance. For example: "After its initial success, "the company became complacent" and lost market share."

Which is a better alternative to "it became complacent?"

Alternatives such as "it grew self-satisfied", "it rested on its laurels", or "it lost its edge" offer similar meanings depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

What is the tone of "it became complacent"?

The phrase "it became complacent" generally carries a negative tone, implying a decline in quality, effort, or awareness due to overconfidence or satisfaction.