straightforward

[streyt-fawr-werd]

adjective

1. going or directed straight ahead.

   a straightforward gaze.

2. not roundabout or evasive; direct.

   straightforward criticism;

   a straightforward approach to a problem.

3. free from ambiguity; clear.

   straightforward instructions.

4. free from crookedness or deceit; honest.

   straightforward in one's dealings.

   Antonyms: devious

adverb

1. Also straightforwards straight ahead; directly or continuously forward.

straightforward

/ ˌstreɪtˈfɔːwəd /

adjective

1. (of a person) honest, frank, or simple

2. (of a task, etc) simple; easy

adverb

1. in a straight course

Other Word Forms

• straightforwardly adverb
• straightforwardness noun
• unstraightforward adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of straightforward¹

First recorded in 1800–10; straight + forward

Example Sentences

The official Medicare website has a lot of easy-to-understand and straightforward tools to help anyone understand their Medicare coverage options, and explore the options open to them or their loved ones.

Read more on Science Daily

Vermant emphasizes that foam stability is not influenced in a straightforward or linear way.

Read more on Science Daily

If someone already knows how to tune a bicycle, learning to repair a motorcycle can feel more straightforward.

Read more on Science Daily

The lesson is straightforward, says Workhelix Chief Executive James Milin: Willingness to experiment, not the business role, is the most important factor determining workers’ eagerness to adopt AI.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

She admits she was a "bit naïve" at the beginning as she had a straightforward pregnancy with her daughter and so "assumed everything would go smoothly again".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• candid 
• forthright 
• genuine 
• sincere 
• truthful 
• unequivocal