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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Women and minority groups, including Black and Hispanic populations, have disproportionately higher rates of financial illiteracy compared to their male and white or Asian counterparts. Monique Johnson, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024 But social media and polarized politics are exposing it at industrial scale, fueled by a poisonous cocktail of bad actors, media illiteracy and plummeting trust in traditional news. Zachary Basu, Axios, 19 Oct. 2024 What does McMahon see as the root causes of such illiteracy? Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024 Stubborn circumstances Chronically absent students are at higher risk of illiteracy and eventually dropping out. Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for illiteracy 

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 30 Nov. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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