simpleminded
Not very sharp
Simpleminded describes someone lacking intelligence or sophistication—unable to grasp complexity or nuance.
The word can be insulting when applied to people: Don't be so simpleminded about this.
Applied to ideas or solutions, it suggests naive oversimplification: a simpleminded approach to foreign policy.
Sometimes the word carries a gentler sense of uncomplicated innocence.
Lacking mental acuity
- slow-wittedLacking mental quickness
- unintelligentLacking cognitive ability
- dullLacking edge or interest
- denseClosely packed together
thick · obtuse · witless · dopey · dumb · feebleminded · vacuous · mindless
Lacking deceit or cunning
- ingenuousInnocently frank and trusting
- guilelessFree from deceit
- sincereGenuinely felt, not feigned
- childlikeHaving youthful innocence
pure · unaffected · unpretentious · genuine · wholesome · transparent · honest · open
Easily deceived
- credulousProne to blind trust
- trustingInclined to believe others
- unsuspectingNot anticipating danger
- impressionableEasily influenced or affected
unworldly · inexperienced · green · unquestioning · easily-led · suggestible · exploitable · unsophisticated
Rural and unrefined
- unsophisticatedLacking refinement or complexity
- unworldlyLacking practical awareness
- parochialNarrow in perspective
- provincialRegional or narrow-minded
unrefined · unpolished · uncultured · uneducated · sheltered · countrified · homely · untutored
Basic and unremarkable
- basicFundamental in nature
- elementaryOf first principles
- straightforwardClear and uncomplicated
- unelaborateNot complex or detailed
uncluttered · clear · unadorned · homespun · modest · humble · unembellished · direct
dimwitted
Lacking mental acuity
- slow-wittedLacking mental quickness
- unintelligentLacking cognitive ability
- dullLacking edge or interest
dense · thick · obtuse · witless · dopey · dumb · feebleminded · vacuous · mindless · birdbrained
artless
Lacking deceit or cunning
childlike · pure · unaffected · unpretentious · genuine · wholesome · transparent · honest · open · candid
gullible
Easily deceived
- credulousProne to blind trust
- trustingInclined to believe others
- unsuspectingNot anticipating danger
impressionable · unworldly · inexperienced · green · unquestioning · easily-led · suggestible · exploitable · unsophisticated · unguarded
rustic
Rural and unrefined
- unsophisticatedLacking refinement or complexity
- unworldlyLacking practical awareness
- parochialNarrow in perspective
provincial · unrefined · unpolished · uncultured · uneducated · sheltered · countrified · homely · untutored · unlearned
plain
Basic and unremarkable
- basicFundamental in nature
- elementaryOf first principles
- straightforwardClear and uncomplicated
unelaborate · uncluttered · clear · unadorned · homespun · modest · humble · unembellished · direct · uncomplicated
- foolishnessfoolishness, silliness, foolish, stupid, folly
simplemindedsophisticated
Worldly and cultured
worldly · shrewd · worldly-wise · streetwise · experienced
simplemindedsophisticated
Worldly and cultured
nuanced · discerning · subtle · analytical · deep