simplicity

noun

sim·​plic·​i·​ty sim-ˈpli-sə-tē 

-ˈpli-stē

plural simplicities

1

: the state of being simple, uncomplicated, or uncompounded

2

a

: lack of subtlety or penetration : innocence, naivete

b

: folly, silliness

3

: freedom from pretense or guile : candor

4

a

: directness of expression : clarity

b

: restraint in ornamentation : austerity

Synonyms of simplicity

• plainness
• unity
• uniformity

Examples of simplicity in a Sentence

People like the simplicity of the instructions.

the simplicity of the music

Recent Examples on the Web

Her presentation style is elegant in its simplicity—a young, independent name, Allen has stayed clear of expensive runway productions and instead insists on showing her collections by appointment. —José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 19 Feb. 2026

For Fisher — and perhaps Stewart — the appeal of a three-day gluten break is its simplicity. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 19 Feb. 2026

Angela Sequeira Lemos, a PhD student and researcher working at the Structural Engineering Research Lab, said that the beauty of the strengthening system lies in its simplicity. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 19 Feb. 2026

That erodes the simplicity people often associate with owning physical gold. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English simplicite, from Anglo-French simplicité, from Latin simplicitat-, simplicitas, from simplic-, simplex

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing simplicity

• for simplicity's sake
• for the sake of simplicity
• simplicity itself

Rhymes for simplicity

• basicity
• chronicity
• complicity
• cyclicity
• duplicity
• ethnicity
• facticity
• felicity
• helicity
• plasticity
• publicity
• rusticity

Kids Definition

simplicity

noun

sim·​plic·​i·​ty sim-ˈplis-ət-ē 

plural simplicities

1

: the quality or state of being simple

2

: honesty, straightforwardness

3

a

: clearness of expression

b

: the quality or state of being plain

4

: folly sense 1, silliness