complacent about + situation
Talking about attitudes toward problems or risks
Use about with issues, dangers, progress, or responsibilities.
The public should not be complacent about climate change.
complacent about vs. complacent in
Complacent is most often followed by about. Complacent in appears mainly in formal or literary language.
Quick answer
Which preposition is natural after complacent?
Use complacent about to describe being too satisfied or unconcerned about a situation. Complacent in is rare and usually appears in formal writing about behaviour or attitudes.
We cannot become complacent about cybersecurity risks.
The team grew complacent about its recent success.
He became complacent in his leadership role.
The team grew complacent about its recent success.
He became complacent in his leadership role.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
complacent about + success
Talking about overconfidence after achievement
About is common when discussing success or progress that leads to carelessness.
After winning, the players became complacent about training.
complacent in + role
Formal use about behaviour within a position
Complacent in is uncommon and more literary or formal.
She appeared complacent in her authority.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
complacent about
They are complacent about safety procedures.
Too relaxed or unconcerned about something.
complacent in
He became complacent in his position.
Formal expression referring to behaviour within a role or state.
complacent with
The manager was complacent with the results.
Sometimes heard, but about is usually more natural.
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using complacent in for everyday situations
About is usually the natural choice in modern English.
✕ She is complacent in the deadline. ✓ She is complacent about the deadline.Using complacent as a positive adjective
Complacent usually has a negative meaning of excessive self-satisfaction.
✕ He is complacent and carefully prepared. ✓ He is confident and carefully prepared.Using with instead of about
With can appear in some contexts, but about is standard for concerns or risks.
✕ They became complacent with security. ✓ They became complacent about security.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. We must not become complacent ___ public health risks.
2. He grew complacent ___ his role as director.
3. The staff became complacent ___ recent improvements.
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Frequently asked questions
Is complacent in correct English?
Yes, but it is uncommon and more formal than complacent about.
Does complacent have a negative meaning?
Usually yes. It suggests overconfidence or lack of concern.
Can I say complacent with?
It appears occasionally, but complacent about is more standard in most contexts.
Related preposition guides
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