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

The two seem poles apart philosophically — when Cherki assisted Foden with a rabona earlier in the season, Guardiola urged him to learn from Lionel Messi’s ‘simplicity’. —Sam Lee, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026

But what makes Dunham’s writing so singular (and has for years) is her ability to capture that which lacks closure or simplicity. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2026

The hotel’s food and beverage programme is led by chef Fulvio Pierangelini, Rocco Forte’s creative director of food, whose culinary ethos focuses on refined simplicity and respect for local, seasonal ingredients. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

That combination of simplicity and practicality is exactly what makes a life hack go viral. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 23 Apr. 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