simplicity
Americannoun
plural
simplicities-
the state, quality, or an instance of being simple.
-
freedom from complexity, intricacy, or division into parts.
an organism of great simplicity.
-
absence of luxury, pretentiousness, ornament, etc.; plainness.
a life of simplicity.
-
freedom from deceit or guile; sincerity; artlessness; naturalness.
a simplicity of manner.
- Synonyms:
- honesty, directness, candor
-
lack of mental acuteness or shrewdness.
Politics is not a field for simplicity about human nature.
noun
Other Word Forms
- nonsimplicity noun
- oversimplicity noun
- supersimplicity noun
Etymology
Origin of simplicity
1325–75; Middle English simplicite (< Old French simplicité ) < Latin simplicitās simpleness, equivalent to simplici- (stem of simplex ) simplex + -tās -ty 2
Explanation
Simplicity is a noun that means "the quality of being plain." The simplicity of your prom dress made you stand out in the sea of ruffles and sequins. Simplicity describes a lack of ornamentation, like a Christmas tree that is only decorated with white lights instead of being fancied up with lots of ornaments, tinsel and multi-colored bulbs. The noun simplicity also means "freedom from hardship or effort" like the simplicity of hanging out on your porch. Simplicity also describes something easy to accomplish or understand.
Vocabulary lists containing simplicity
'Tis A Gift To Be Simple: Words For National Simplicity Day
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"On Turning Ten" by Billy Collins
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
poems about transcendental thinking
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
However, Hart called for "greater clarity and simplicity in the system" and appealed for more people to come forward and report any suspicions of malpractice.
From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026
Their pieces stand out for their simplicity, such as a pair of nesting coffee tables made from a single oak branch.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026
Donald Norman anticipated this, warning against designers who would mistake simplicity for good design.
From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026
“It’s all about simplicity and convenience,” Lilly Chief Financial Officer Lucas Montarce said in an interview.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026
“Mrs. Weston’s manners,” said Emma, “were always particularly good. Their propriety, simplicity, and elegance, would make them the safest model for any young woman.”
From "Emma" by Jane Austen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
