more than complacent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more than complacent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being that exceeds mere satisfaction or self-satisfaction, often implying a proactive or engaged attitude. Example: "In today's competitive market, we need to be more than complacent; we must actively seek innovation and improvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That makes the calm that reigns in Brussels more than complacent: it is baffling.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

America's élite players, he says, are more complacent than their international peers.

The New Yorker

Roger King, a former vice-chancellor who is now a consultant in the international education business, says some are "more complacent than they ought to be you've got the makings of blood on the carpet in four to five years' time".

The Economist

As an undergraduate, Kepesh styled himself "a rake among scholars, a scholar among rakes," and now, in his early 60's, he seems to have grown into a version of that persona at once wilder and more complacent than anything young David, equally besotted by Russian writers and Syracuse sorority sisters, might have envisioned.

The New York Times - Books

Give them an excuse to start suing entrepreneurs with new ideas, and they'll just become more complacent than they already are.

Forbes

These kids were far more complacent than mine.

Huffington Post

This was in part because of a rule of thumb at Ford that program officers should stay in their jobs no more than eight years, lest they become complacent.

The New Yorker

That's much more than can be said of a complacent tale like Silvio Soldini's Italian film "Bread and Tulips," in which an unhappy, unappreciated housewife (Licia Maglietta) impulsively opts out of her life during a dreadful driving vacation and runs off to Venice instead.

The New York Times

"I haven't seen this much anger in a long, long time," said Billy Roper, a 36-year-old who runs a group called White Revolution in Russellville, Ark ."Nothing has awakened normally complacent white Americans more than the prospect of America having an overtly nonwhite president".

Huffington Post

But I'll bet there's not a more blindingly complacent creature in town these days than the woman known only as Mommy, who can be found strutting her smugness at the venerable Cherry Lane Theater in the West Village.

The New York Times

Although John Lennon would later take considerable risks (and write some lousy songs) in the service of his political convictions, rock stars were generally seen as complacent poseurs who did no more than pay lip-service to radical ideas.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more than complacent" to convey a state that surpasses simple satisfaction, often implying active engagement or a need for further action. For example, "We cannot be "more than complacent" with our current progress; we must strive for continuous improvement."

Common error

Avoid using "more than complacent" when simple satisfaction is adequate. This phrase suggests a need for action or change, so ensure the context warrants exceeding a state of ease. Do not confuse being content with being "more than complacent", as it diminishes the active and aware tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more than complacent" functions as a comparative intensifier, emphasizing a state that exceeds simple self-satisfaction or passivity. It suggests a need for proactive engagement or further action, as supported by Ludwig's examples that illustrate contexts where mere complacency is insufficient.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more than complacent" serves as a comparative intensifier, urging a move beyond simple satisfaction towards active engagement and vigilance. Ludwig's analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media, to convey urgency and the necessity for action. While alternatives like "far from complacent" and "actively engaged" offer nuanced expressions, the core message remains consistent: passive contentment is insufficient. Therefore, it’s important to ensure the context warrants exceeding a state of ease and to avoid overestimating satisfaction. This phrase is best used when emphasizing the need to surpass current efforts for continuous improvement, according to Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anything but complacent

Emphasizes a strong rejection of complacency, highlighting proactive behavior.

far from complacent

Indicates the opposite of being complacent; a state of active engagement and awareness.

showing initiative

Focuses on taking action and being resourceful, rather than being passive or complacent.

proactively involved

Stresses active participation and engagement, rather than passive acceptance or complacency.

actively engaged

Focuses on the proactive involvement and participation, contrasting with passive complacency.

highly motivated

Emphasizes a strong drive and enthusiasm, contrasting with the passivity of complacency.

keenly attentive

Highlights being sharply focused and observant, contrasting with a complacent lack of awareness.

vigilant and proactive

Highlights a state of alertness and readiness to take action, surpassing simple awareness.

exceedingly diligent

Highlights a level of care and effort beyond ordinary expectations.

demonstrating great effort

Emphasizes the active application of energy and resources, countering any sense of complacency.

FAQs

How can I use "more than complacent" in a sentence?

Use "more than complacent" to express that a simple state of satisfaction is insufficient, and that active engagement or further action is necessary. For instance, "We cannot be "more than complacent" with our current market share; we must aggressively pursue new opportunities".

What are some alternatives to "more than complacent"?

Alternatives to "more than complacent" include "far from complacent", "actively engaged", or "vigilant and proactive", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "more than complacent"?

It is appropriate to use "more than complacent" when you want to emphasize that a situation requires more than just passive satisfaction, and that active involvement or further progress is essential. For example, when discussing environmental issues, one might say, "We must be "more than complacent" about climate change; we need to take immediate action".

What is the difference between "complacent" and "more than complacent"?

"Complacent" implies a state of passive satisfaction or self-satisfaction, often leading to inaction or lack of awareness. "More than complacent" suggests a need to go beyond this passive state, emphasizing the necessity for active engagement, vigilance, or further effort. Therefore, being "anything but complacent" is better than to be complacent.