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

Its simplicity was profound, and clearly the result of hours of labor and design. —CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026

An owl impression might not seem like a lot to work with, but the simplicity of the prompt proved to be a solid launchpad, inspiring a flood of uncannily accurate impressions. —Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026

Karklin said the simplicity of the aircraft comes with lower cost, lower weight and higher safety. —Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026

The song vamps where Railings used to weave and wind, its ever-busying rhythm section building tension atop its harmonic simplicity. —Craig Heed, Pitchfork, 29 Jan. 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