naivety

American  

[nah-eev-tee, -ee-vuh-] / nɑˈiv ti, -ˈi və- /

Or naïvety

noun

plural

naiveties

1. naiveté.

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naivety British  

/ ˌnaɪiːvˈteɪ, naɪˈiːvtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being naive; ingenuousness; simplicity

2. a naive act or statement

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Explanation

Naivety refers to a lack of experience or sophistication. That taxi driver who charged your Aunt Fay $75 for the ride from the airport was taking advantage of her naivety — your aunt didn’t know it should only cost $50. The noun naivety often refers to the kind of inexperience that allows you to be tricked, but it can also refer to a trusting innocent or a lack of sophistication. For example, if you think you can treat your boss’s daughter like any other employee and just say whatever you want when you have lunch, you may be exhibiting naivety — she may tell your boss what you said.

Example Sentences

"I wouldn't call it a naivety," said Skinner.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

Barely ten days later, Pelley’s words now ring with a tragic, hollow naivety.

From Salon • Dec. 22, 2025

"We are investing in means of action from the ground and space while respecting international law, but without any naivety," he said.

From Barron's • Nov. 12, 2025

Case told me there was a "naivety" about the greater scrutiny that came with leading the country.

From BBC • Jun. 27, 2025

I thought it necessary to update some of the words so that the religiosity and naivety of the time, which were genuine, would not seem too quaint to the modem ear.

From "The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War" by Michael Shaara