simplistic

[sim-plis-tik]

adjective

1. characterized by extreme simplism; oversimplified.

   a simplistic notion of good and bad.

simplistic

/ sɪmˈplɪstɪk /

adjective

1. characterized by extreme simplicity; naive

2. oversimplifying complex problems; making unrealistically simple judgments or analyses

Usage

Since simplistic already has too as part of its meaning, it is tautologous to talk about something being too simplistic or over-simplistic

Confusables Note

Contrary to what some people believe, simplistic is not a fancy word for simple. Simplistic does not describe things that are easy to understand, deal with, or use. Those sorts of things are simply simple. However, if something is too simple—misleadingly so—then it is correctly called simplistic. An argument that glosses over or omits relevant facts and presents trite, hackneyed, slogan-like statements and sound bites is indeed simplistic. Simple —unlike simplistic —is a term that can describe not only issues, statements, and arguments, but all manner of things observable by our senses. It can describe art, music, food, clothing—just about anything. And it is a neutral term. That is, if something is said to be simple, that can be considered either a good thing or a bad thing depending upon one’s taste. But the word is very often used positively—as encapsulated in the well-worn creative principle “Less is more”—to describe language that is straightforward and easy to understand, clothing that is not overly elaborate or excessively decorated, or architecture with clean lines. And something simple can be elegant too. To describe such things as simplistic would be an insult to their creators. And it would be ironic to use what one thinks of as a more exotic, ornamental, impressive term to describe something clear or plain and unadorned—something that is, in fact, simple.

Other Word Forms

• simplism noun
• simplistically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of simplistic¹

First recorded in 1855–60; simple + -istic

Example Sentences

But Sweden's foreign ministry warns against a simplistic analysis of figures.

From BBC

“One thing we wanted to do in this film is not be black-and-white simplistic,” he told Empire.

From Los Angeles Times

While it would be far too simplistic to say the Gunners' five-year trophy drought is down to their failure to land a frontman, it has undoubtedly played a part.

From BBC

The data “do not support the simplistic notion that the homeless are largely comprised of ex-state hospital residents,” it said.

From Los Angeles Times

"We are often fed simplistic solutions to a complex and potentially more serious problem," wellbeing expert Professor Sir Cary Cooper explains.

From BBC

Related Words

• childish