illiteracy

noun

il·​lit·​er·​a·​cy (ˌ)i(l)-ˈli-t(ə-)rə-sē How to pronounce illiteracy (audio)
plural illiteracies
1
: the quality or state of being illiterate
especially : inability to read or write
2
: a mistake or crudity (as in speaking) typical of one who is illiterate

Examples of illiteracy in a Sentence

the government's efforts to reduce illiteracy His letters contain many misspellings and illiteracies.
Recent Examples on the Web Joe Biden’s latest argument for why the crisis at the southern border isn’t his fault is predicated on the assumption of widespread civic illiteracy. Noah Rothman, National Review, 30 Jan. 2024 And Americans lose nearly $2000/year because of to financial illiteracy. Jasmine Browley, Essence, 26 Jan. 2024 Poverty, illiteracy, exploitation by the wealthy, searching for identity and belonging, and overindulging in sweets are some of the major themes in Wonka. Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 15 Dec. 2023 In 1848, Ellen and William Craft, an enslaved couple in Georgia, made a daring escape north disguised as a sickly young white planter and his male slave — Ellen as the wealthy scion in a stovepipe hat, dark green glasses and a sling over her right arm to conceal her illiteracy. The New York Times Books Staff, New York Times, 28 Nov. 2023 In a region beset with conflict, drought, and poverty, Somaliland officials cite a similar illiteracy rate for adults. Cameron Pugh, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 Oct. 2023 Her goal: to battle widespread illiteracy, discourage dropouts, and instill a love for learning that transforms young lives. Ann Scott Tyson, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Oct. 2023 The Fulani had to use other alphabets, which meant that the meaning and nuances of the words in their native tongue began to disappear, along with some traditions, stories, and songs, due to illiteracy. Melissa Noel, Essence, 18 July 2023 But many struggle with illiteracy, how to use a smartphone or how to get online. Simone Weichselbaum, NBC News, 18 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'illiteracy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of illiteracy was in 1660

Dictionary Entries Near illiteracy

Cite this Entry

“Illiteracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illiteracy. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

illiteracy

noun
il·​lit·​er·​a·​cy (ˈ)il-ˈ(l)it-ə-rə-sē How to pronounce illiteracy (audio)
-ˈ(l)i-trə-sē
plural illiteracies
1
: the quality or state of being illiterate
especially : inability to read or write
2
: a mistake made by or typical of an illiterate person

More from Merriam-Webster on illiteracy

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