simplistic
simplistic — adjective
- simplisticpositive
- more simplisticcomparative
- most simplisticsuperlative
1. describes an opinion or explanation that treats a complicated problem much too s
describes an opinion or explanation that treats a complicated problem much too simply, leaving out important facts
The politician's simplistic answer ignored the real causes of the housing shortage.
simplistic + noun (answer, view, explanation)
Noor felt that calling the conflict just a religious war was far too simplistic.
predicative: be + far too simplistic
Teachers warned that the textbook gave a simplistic view of the country's long history.
It would be simplistic to blame Ana for the spilled paint without checking if the ladder was stable.
The report seems overly simplistic and does not consider local economic differences.
- oversimplified
more directly about leaving out essential details, especially in explanations
- naive
adds a sense of inexperience or wishful thinking, not just missing details
- superficial
suggests lack of depth or thoroughness across the whole treatment
- reductive
more formal, academic term for analyses that reduce complex topics to one cause
- nuanced
shows careful attention to small but important differences
- sophisticated
shows a deep, complex understanding of a subject
用法筆記
Unlike the neutral word simple, simplistic is always disapproving. It is commonly used in academic writing and opinion pieces to criticise a solution or analysis for ignoring complexity.
常見錯誤
❖ 'The instructions are very simplistic and easy to use.' ✅ 'The instructions are very simple and easy to use.' — Simplistic is always negative; use simple for neutral or positive meaning.