lull into complacency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lull into complacency" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe a situation in which someone is made to feel falsely secure and comfortable about a particular matter, and therefore does not take the necessary action. For example, "The president used optimistic rhetoric to lull the public into complacency about the state of the economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Saunders voiced his frustration with the progressives who got lulled into complacency, but also suggests an alternative to despair.

Princeton University

Yet we must not be lulled into complacency by naive estimates of what lies ahead.

The Guardian - Opinion

Everyone had been lulled into complacency by the long years when banks appeared to be cash machines for the Treasury.

The Economist

Regulators had been "lulled into complacency by a combination of a Panglossian worldview and benign experience," she said.

The New York Times

Successful companies are often lulled into complacency by how well their business models have been and indeed still are working.

Harvard Business Review

Be lulled into complacency by the skrit-skrit sounds of her application of viscous spreads to rustic slices of toast.

The New Yorker

Was the nation going soft, lulled into complacency by the material splendor of Ward and June Cleaver's suburban idyll?

The New York Times - Books

At least when Republicans are elected, people fight – when Democrats are elected, people are lulled into complacency and fall asleep".

The Guardian

BP's record is there for everyone to see – its no time to be lulled into complacency by BP spokesmen assuring us all will be well.

University of California, Berkeley

SOME employers have been lulled into complacency by the recession, Ms. Erickson said: "They haven't been thinking about a talent shortage for two years now".

The New York Times

At the same time, English-speaking residents are often lulled into complacency by the ubiquity of English-language services all over the Netherlands.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lull into complacency", ensure that the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify who or what is doing the lulling and who or what is being lulled.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "lulling into complacency" is always intentional. Sometimes, complacency arises from misinterpreted data or unforeseen circumstances, rather than a deliberate attempt to mislead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lull into complacency" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of causing someone to become passively secure. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a situation where someone is made to feel falsely safe, leading to a lack of necessary action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

22%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lull into complacency" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of causing someone to become falsely secure, leading to inaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it carries a negative connotation and is frequently found in News & Media, Academic, and Formal & Business contexts. To use it effectively, ensure clarity in specifying who or what is doing the lulling and who or what is being lulled. Avoid assuming intentionality; complacency can arise from various factors, not always deliberate manipulation. Remember, this expression helps caution against potential risks associated with a misleading sense of security.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

induce a false sense of security

Focuses on creating a deceptive feeling of safety, rather than directly causing inaction.

cause to be unwary

Focuses on making someone less cautious or alert, potentially leading to vulnerability.

instill a sense of overconfidence

Highlights the development of excessive self-assurance that might lead to mistakes.

put at ease

Emphasizes making someone comfortable, which can lead to reduced vigilance.

foster a lack of vigilance

Emphasizes the promotion of a state where caution and alertness are diminished.

make someone feel secure

Highlights the act of instilling a feeling of safety, which can result in a lack of concern.

numb to the danger

Indicates a reduction in awareness or concern about potential threats.

create a climate of passivity

Describes the creation of an environment promoting inactivity or lack of engagement.

soothe into inaction

Highlights the act of calming someone to a point where they fail to act.

engender a state of inaction

Highlights the creation of a condition of inactivity or lack of response.

FAQs

How can I use "lull into complacency" in a sentence?

You can use "lull into complacency" to describe how someone or something creates a false sense of security, leading to inaction. For example, "The warm weather can "lull tourists into complacency" about the dangers of the ocean".

What's the difference between "lull into complacency" and "make someone feel secure"?

"Lull into complacency" suggests a deceptive or misleading sense of security leading to inaction, while "make someone feel secure" simply implies providing comfort and safety without necessarily implying a negative consequence. They have different connotations. "Make someone feel secure" isn't always deceptive.

What can I say instead of "lull into complacency"?

Alternatives include "induce a false sense of security", "cause to be unwary", or "instill a sense of overconfidence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to "lull into complacency"?

Yes, "lull into complacency" generally carries a negative connotation, suggesting that someone is being misled or made to feel falsely secure, often with detrimental consequences. It always has a negative effect of causing inaction because of falsely gained security.