Ingenuous describes someone or something that is openwilling to be honest and show feelings directly, straightforwardeasy to understand; direct and not complicated, and not tricky or world-wise. It can also suggest a lack of sophisticationrefined knowledge, manners, or practical social understanding or experience.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ɪnˈdʒɛnjuəs/
Easy pronunciation: in-JEN-yoo-uhs (approximate spelling).
Stress: Primary stress on the second syllable, JEN.
Use this for the adjective meaning simple, naive, and not worldly.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Ingenuous Meaning
simple, naive, and not worldly
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: lacking in sophistication or worldliness
Example: His ingenuous explanation sounded sincere, even if it was a little naive.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- innocent — Fits the sense of being unsophisticated or naive.
- artless — Can work here, especially when it suggests natural simplicity.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Ingenuous
Meaning 2
open and honest, without trying to deceive
Part of speech: adjective
Definition: characterized by an inability to mask your feelings; not devious
Example: She gave an ingenuous admission of responsibility.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- artless — Works well when it means frank, open, and unforced.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Ingenuous Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- innocent
- artless
open and honest, without trying to deceive
- artless
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- People sometimes confuse ingenuous with disingenuous, but they are opposites.
- Ingenuous does not mean clever or calculating.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ingenuous mean?
Ingenuous means simple, sincere, and not devious. It can also suggest a lack of sophistication or worldly experience.
What is the difference between ingenuous and disingenuous?
Ingenuous means open, sincere, and straightforward. Disingenuous means insincere or dishonest.
What are common synonyms for ingenuous?
Common synonyms include innocent and artless, depending on the sense.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-21. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
