simplistic

adjective

sim·​plis·​tic sim-ˈpli-stik 

: excessively simple or simplified : treating a problem or subject with false simplicity by omitting or ignoring complicating factors or details

adequate, if occasionally simplistic, historical background

—Harlow Robinson

The simplistic headlines of the press can be very misleading.

—Matt Ridley

Choosing wars as demarcations of cultural time segments may seem simplistic, but there is little question that a new sensibility made its appearance in the United States after World War II.

—Naomi Rosenblum

simplistically

sim-ˈpli-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Did you know?

The facts of nature and of life are more apt to be complex than simple. Simplistic theories are generally one-sided and partial, wrote the American clergyman James Freeman Clarke in the 19th century, nicely illustrating the difference between plain, ordinary simple and the then-new adjective simplistic. Simplistic is generally synonymous with oversimplified, but we didn't have the verb oversimplify and its participle oversimplified until well into the 20th century. Simplistic is sometimes used in the neutral sense of "not complicated" (in which case it is synonymous with simple) but this borders on misuse-simplistic is generally understood to be pejorative.

Examples of simplistic in a Sentence

a simplistic approach to a complicated problem

His interpretation of the theory was too simplistic.

Recent Examples on the Web

The toaster features rounded edges, striking stainless steel details, and simplistic number dials to adjust the browning level to your liking. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 17 Dec. 2024

But many of our greatest scientists bluntly rejected this simplistic conflict. —Arianna Huffington, TIME, 11 Dec. 2024

Furthermore, the rise of emojis and social media hashtags has reduced complex ideas and emotions to simplistic symbols and slogans, eroding our ability to express ourselves with precision and depth. —Steven Delco, Hartford Courant, 10 Dec. 2024

The remake’s emphasis on believability comes with a host of simplistic morals, such as how hard work begets dignity, righteous people will experience setbacks but never go unrewarded, and true love wins in the end. —Elle Carroll, Vulture, 24 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

simplistic

adjective

sim·​plis·​tic sim-ˈplis-tik 

1

: simple sense 8

2

: characterized by too much simplicity : not involving or dealing with related complexities

a simplistic explanation of the situation

simplistically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb