unreasonable confidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unreasonable confidence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a level of confidence that is not justified or is excessive in relation to the situation. Example: "His unreasonable confidence in his ability to complete the project without any help ultimately led to its failure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

David S. Rose, a serial entrepreneur turned angel investor, and the author of the new book "Angel Investing," told me, "You have to have an unreasonable level of confidence as an entrepreneur, or you'll never get started".

The New Yorker

Nor is such confidence unreasonable.

SEP

"I've seen unreasonable levels of confidence in my clients that's clearly related to seeing the market go up and up," says Suzette Loh, a financial adviser with Richard A. Eisner & Co. in New York.

Forbes

A similar transformation in attitudes toward independence is not unreasonable, given Scotland's renewed self-confidence.

The New York Times

It would be unreasonable to expect Moyes to pull the same confidence trick.

Independent

Given the current lack of confidence in financial institutions, once even unreasonable doubts start to spread, it's not obvious how a bank is supposed to stop them, at least in the absence of a government guarantee.

The New Yorker

I find myself perking up at these moments when, with psychotic confidence, his tracks blast headfirst into the unknown and unreasonable.

Vice

He said: "To serve national security and have confidence in the judiciary we had to remove some very, very unreasonable people who were trying to defend the previous regime and work for their own interests".

The Guardian

It is not unreasonable to suggest that prices will soften further with the Mayoral election and Brexit having an impact on confidence".

The Guardian - Money

"When a police officer uses unreasonable force, it has a harmful effect on not only the victims, but also the public, who lose faith and confidence in law enforcement," Fardon said.

Huffington Post

"Unreasonable Mme.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unreasonable confidence", consider the context. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting a misplaced or excessive belief that may lead to negative consequences. Ensure this aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "unreasonable confidence" automatically translates to actual competence. While confidence is beneficial, it shouldn't overshadow the need for skills and preparation. Balance confidence with realistic self-assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unreasonable confidence" functions as a noun phrase, where "unreasonable" modifies the noun "confidence". It describes a particular quality or characteristic of someone's belief in their own abilities or prospects. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

5%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unreasonable confidence" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an excessive or unjustified belief in one's abilities. Ludwig AI indicates its usability in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears across various contexts, including news and media, science, and formal business settings. When employing this phrase, consider its potential negative connotations and strive for balance. Alternatives such as "unjustified self-assurance" or "inflated ego" can provide nuanced expressions of the concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unjustified self-assurance

Emphasizes the lack of valid reasons for the confidence.

exaggerated sense of competence

Highlights an inflated perception of one's own skills.

overestimation of ability

Focuses on the act of rating one's capabilities too highly.

excessive self-belief

Underscores the surplus of faith in oneself.

inflated ego

Uses a more informal term to suggest an overblown sense of self-importance.

unfounded optimism

Shifts the focus to a positive outlook that lacks a solid basis.

presumptuousness

Highlights the boldness and potential arrogance associated with the confidence.

hubris

Implies an arrogance that often leads to downfall.

foolhardiness

Suggests a reckless confidence that ignores potential dangers.

overweening pride

Highlights excessive pride and arrogance.

FAQs

How can I use "unreasonable confidence" in a sentence?

You can use "unreasonable confidence" to describe someone who has an exaggerated belief in their abilities, such as, "His "unreasonable confidence" led him to take risks without considering the consequences."

What's the difference between "unreasonable confidence" and "high confidence"?

"High confidence" suggests a strong but justifiable belief in one's abilities. "Unreasonable confidence", on the other hand, implies that the belief is excessive or not based on reality.

What can I say instead of "unreasonable confidence"?

Alternatives include "unjustified self-assurance", "excessive self-belief", or "inflated ego", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is having "unreasonable confidence" always a bad thing?

While often negative, "unreasonable confidence" can sometimes drive individuals to achieve ambitious goals they might otherwise avoid. However, it's crucial to balance this with realistic planning and adaptability to mitigate potential downsides.