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

Black Beans and Sausage The simplicity of this dish allows the true flavors of each ingredient to shine through, meaning the earthy black beans won’t get lost in translation, even when paired with smoky sausage. — Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 17 Sep. 2026

Ebicos Those who don't mind a permanent camper installation might prefer the simplicity of the Happy Dreamer Electric, which deploys and retracts with a single push of a button. — New Atlas, 16 Sep. 2026

Or Elle Fanning in her mint-green Ralph Lauren Collection slip, which made up for its simplicity with its peppy color. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 15 Sep. 2026

Now the technique has become mainstream as attackers reap its simplicity and effectiveness in infecting users of PCs and Macs alike. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 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