illiteracy

[ ih-lit-er-uh-see ]

noun

, plural il·lit·er·a·cies

1. a lack of ability to read and write.
2. the state of being illiterate; lack of any or enough education.
3. a mistake in writing or speaking, felt to be characteristic of an illiterate or semiliterate person:

   a letter that was full of illiteracies.

Other Words From

• semi-il·liter·a·cy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of illiteracy¹

First recorded in 1650–60; illiter(ate) + -acy

Example Sentences

That’s part of it, but I also think the problem is widespread political illiteracy.

From Salon

Chronically absent students are at higher risk of illiteracy and eventually dropping out.

From Los Angeles Times

One of two Black contestants chosen for that season in 2010, Folkes was insulted that Trump had called him inarticulate and accused him of illiteracy in a lengthy boardroom tirade minutes earlier.

From Seattle Times

She said mobile phones could help overcome the illiteracy that still affects 773 million people worldwide according to UNESCO.

From Seattle Times

Chopstick skills — or a lack thereof — can be a sign of cultural competence or illiteracy.

From New York Times

Related Words

• functional illiteracy
• illiterateness