simplistic
gb/sɪmplˈɪstɪk/ us/sɪmplˈɪstɪk/
C1
English
~ 10000
Senses
0 senses
adjective
C1
property
1
too simple, ignoring complexity
Too simple in a bad way, because it does not show the real problems or details.
Usage pattern:
[something] is simplistic
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse "simplistic" with "simple" and use it as a positive word. However, "simplistic" is almost always negative or critical. Use "simple" or "clear" for a positive meaning (e.g., "a simple explanation"), and "simplistic" only when you want to say it is too simple and misses important things (e.g., "a simplistic explanation").
Synonyms
oversimplified (Focuses more directly on the process of making something too simple, with a similar critical tone.)
|
naive (Adds a sense that the person does not understand how complex the situation really is.)
|
reductive (Often used in academic or critical writing to mean that something reduces complex issues to something too simple.)
Antonyms
nuanced (Stresses that something includes many small but important differences and details, the opposite of being simplistic.)
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sophisticated (Suggests a complex and well‑developed understanding or design, rather than a simplistic one.)
Collocations
simplistic view
|simplistic solution
|simplistic approach
|simplistic explanation
|overly simplistic
|sound simplistic
Themes
thinking
|communication
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The article offers a simplistic view of poverty that ignores structural causes.
- That may sound simplistic, but the reality is far more complicated.
- Critics called the government’s plan a simplistic solution to a deep social problem.
- His argument is based on a simplistic reading of the data.
- The movie’s ending feels simplistic, wrapping up serious issues too neatly.
Learner examples
- Her idea is too simplistic for such a big problem.
- The teacher said my answer was simplistic and missed many key points.
- This book gives a simplistic picture of life in another country.
- Their plan is simplistic and does not think about possible risks.
Grammar
Dictionary form
simplistic
IPA
GB/sɪmplˈɪstɪk/
US/sɪmplˈɪstɪk/
Syllables & stress
simplist - ic (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ic)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: simplistic
Word family
Core family
Related words
simplification
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
complex
adjective B1
complicated
adjective B1
Advanced or less common
simplistically
adverb
oversimplify
verb
oversimplification
noun
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.