self-complacent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "self-complacent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is overly satisfied with themselves or their achievements, often to the point of being unaware of potential shortcomings. Example: "His self-complacent attitude made it difficult for him to recognize the areas where he needed improvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It seemed right to add a touch of ingenuousness to the character because I didn't want her to come across as self-complacent or arrogant, which would have created some distance with the audience," Ms. Stoffel said.

The New York Times - Arts

Malloy is a tall, portly, well-dressed, important-looking man of fifty-five or so with the serene, self-complacent countenance of one who has achieved success in his chosen line — by his own unaided endeavors, he believes.

The New Yorker

Abolitionist Samuel Joseph May accused Lowell of trying to quit the movement because of his association with Harvard and the Boston Brahmin culture: "Having got into the smooth, dignified, self-complacent, and change-hating society of the college and its Boston circles, Lowell has gone over to the world, and to 'respectability'".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

From self-satisfied, complacent Christianity toward a suprachristian spirit of radical welcome, inclusion, and grace.

Huffington Post

It is both classic and postmodern, the perfect tonic for a nation that has grown too self-satisfied, too complacent, too flabby around the edges.

Vice

A high stage of expertise is a goal we must all strive for and never quit trying to achieve lest we become self-satisfied and complacent, kick back and relax.

Huffington Post

Now, in a startling Comment is Free article, he calls them complacent and self-satisfied, likening them to Downton Abbey aristocracy.

The Guardian

But there is an alternative view: namely, that Gerri and Tom are not all that admirable, but subtly complacent and self-satisfied, and we are misunderstanding the parasitism of their relationship with Mary.

The Guardian - Film

A Spy Among Friends: Kim Philby and the Great Betrayal, by Ben Macintyre (Bloomsbury), Kim Philby: The Unknown Story of the KGB's Master Spy, by Tim Milne, and Macintyre's BBC2 series, Kim Philby: His Most Intimate Betrayal, are the latest revealing accounts of the extraordinary complacent and self-satisfied culture in the upper reaches of Britain's secret intelligence establishment.

The Guardian - Books

"I don't want kids to be desperately miserable but we don't want them to be complacent and self-satisfied all the time.

BBC

AT the end of this road was the worst kind of mindless, self-indulgent, complacent schlock.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "self-complacent", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. If you want to emphasize arrogance, "arrogantly satisfied" might be a better fit. If you want to suggest inaction, "complacent" alone might suffice.

Common error

Avoid using "self-complacent" interchangeably with "self-aware". "Self-aware" indicates an understanding of one's own character, feelings, motives, and desires, while "self-complacent" describes being overly satisfied with oneself, often to a fault.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "self-complacent" primarily functions as an adjective. It is used to describe a noun, typically a person or their attitude, indicating they are excessively pleased with themselves. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its examples, showcasing how the term modifies the subject it describes.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "self-complacent" is an adjective used to describe someone excessively satisfied with themselves. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is grammatically correct, though rare in usage. It often serves to express criticism, highlighting a negative attribute. The term is mainly found in News & Media, encyclopedias and wiki content. Consider using more common synonyms like "self-satisfied" to avoid potential confusion. Despite its rare use and negative connotation, "self-complacent" remains a valuable tool for accurately depicting excessive self-satisfaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-satisfied

Direct synonym, conveying a similar sense of contentment with oneself; slightly more common.

smugly satisfied

Emphasizes the smugness associated with self-satisfaction; slightly stronger negative connotation.

overly content

Focuses on the excessive degree of contentment, suggesting a lack of motivation for improvement.

unduly pleased with oneself

Highlights the inappropriateness of the self-satisfaction; more formal phrasing.

self-congratulatory

Emphasizes the act of congratulating oneself, often publicly or overtly.

arrogantly satisfied

Connects the sense of self-satisfaction with arrogance, indicating a superior attitude.

contented to a fault

Highlights that the level of contentment is detrimental or excessive.

smug

A shorter, more direct way to describe someone with excessive self-satisfaction.

puffed up with pride

Suggests an inflated sense of self-importance contributing to self-satisfaction.

complacent

A more general term for being satisfied and unconcerned, without the specific emphasis on self.

FAQs

How can I use "self-complacent" in a sentence?

You can use "self-complacent" to describe someone who is overly satisfied with their achievements or qualities, for example: "The manager's "self-complacent" attitude prevented him from recognizing the team's declining performance."

What can I say instead of "self-complacent"?

Alternatives to "self-complacent" include "self-satisfied", "smugly satisfied", or "overly content", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "complacent" and "self-complacent"?

"Complacent" describes a general state of being satisfied and unconcerned, while ""self-complacent"" specifically refers to being overly satisfied with oneself.

Is "self-complacent" a negative term?

Yes, ""self-complacent"" generally carries a negative connotation, implying an excessive and often unwarranted satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements.