unsophisticated

adjective

un·​so·​phis·​ti·​cat·​ed ˌən-sə-ˈfi-stə-ˌkā-təd 

: not sophisticated: such as

a

: not changed or corrupted : genuine

b(1)

: not worldly-wise : lacking social or economic sophistication

(2)

: lacking complexity of structure : simple, straightforward

an unsophisticated analysis

unsophisticated rhythms

Synonyms

• aw-shucks
• dewy
• dewy-eyed
• green
• ingenuous
• innocent
• naïf
• naif
• naive
• naïve
• primitive
• simple
• simpleminded
• uncritical
• unknowing
• unsuspecting
• unsuspicious
• unwary
• unworldly
• wide-eyed

Choose the Right Synonym for unsophisticated

natural, ingenuous, naive, unsophisticated, artless mean free from pretension or calculation.

natural implies lacking artificiality and self-consciousness and having a spontaneousness suggesting the natural rather than the man-made world.

her unaffected, natural manner

ingenuous implies inability to disguise or conceal one's feelings or intentions.

the ingenuous enthusiasm of children

naive suggests lack of worldly wisdom often connoting credulousness and unchecked innocence.

politically naive

unsophisticated implies a lack of experience and training necessary for social ease and adroitness.

unsophisticated adolescents

artless suggests a naturalness resulting from unawareness of the effect one is producing on others.

artless charm

Examples of unsophisticated in a Sentence

She was innocent and unsophisticated when she left for college.

unsophisticated teens and young adults hoping to expand their world view by spending a year abroad

Recent Examples on the Web

For anyone who thinks a pair of headphones aimed at drummers might be a bit unsophisticated and possibly a little brutal, nothing could be further from the truth. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024

Initially hesitant to accept her help, Chadwick warms to his TA thanks to her anxious but dedicated work ethic, as well as her flare for debate — a notable turn from the somewhat unsophisticated nature of Ronald’s relationship with Cecile in the 1999 film. —Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Nov. 2024

But unlike the West Memphis Three, the affluent Ramseys were not unsophisticated, working-poor teens in rural America. —Alessa Dominguez, Vulture, 22 Nov. 2024

The chassis feels, by Mini’s standards, underdone and unsophisticated. —Michael Taylor, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

unsophisticated

adjective

un·​so·​phis·​ti·​cat·​ed ˌən(t)-sə-ˈfis-tə-ˌkāt-əd 

1

: not sophisticated

was still innocent and unsophisticated

2

: not complex : plain, simple

unsophisticated designs

unsophistication

-ˌfis-tə-ˈkā-shən

noun