artless
UK: ˈɑːtləs | US: ˈɑːrtləs
adj. lacking skill or finesse; crude or unrefined
adj. free from deceit or cunning; innocent or natural
The word "artless" combines "art," derived from Old French art (meaning "skill" or "cunning," ultimately from Latin ars/artis), with the suffix "-less," meaning "without." Originally, "art" referred to craftsmanship or cleverness, but by the 16th century, it also took on connotations of guile. "Artless" thus evolved to describe both a lack of refinement (literal) and an absence of deceit (figurative), reflecting the dual nature of "art" itself.
Her artless painting showed raw talent but needed technical polish.
He gave an artless reply, unaware of the political implications.
The child’s artless honesty charmed everyone in the room.
Critics dismissed the film as artless and amateurish.
She wore an artless smile, completely free of pretense.