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 The foundation's mission is to empower people and communities in situations of poverty, illiteracy, distress due to illness, and social exclusion. The Enquirer, 8 Apr. 2024 His new idea is a frank expression of economic illiteracy. Rich Lowry, National Review, 22 Mar. 2024 Film reviewers similarly broadcast their cultural illiteracy. Armond White, National Review, 8 Mar. 2024 Room to Read is a global education nonprofit aiming to creating a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 Mar. 2024 Libraries are on the frontlines of so many wars—the war against censorship, the war against the erosion of personal privacy, the war against illiteracy, the war against fascism and the crumbling of democracy. Lisa Bubert, Longreads, 27 Feb. 2024 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

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 25 Apr. 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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