literacy

[ lit-er-uh-see ]

noun

1. the quality or state of being literate, especially the ability to read and write.
2. possession of education:

   to question someone's literacy.

   Synonyms: culture, learning

3. a person's knowledge of a particular subject or field:

   to acquire computer literacy;

   improving your financial literacy.

literacy

/ ˈlɪtərəsɪ /

noun

1. the ability to read and write
2. the ability to use language proficiently

Other Words From

• anti·liter·a·cy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of literacy¹

First recorded in 1880–85; liter(ate) + -acy

Example Sentences

Today, financial literacy often functions as yet another wedge separating haves and have-nots, only worsening retirement prospects for the worst off Americans.

From Salon

There are also calls for supporting schools to tackle low literacy levels and other issues that some argue date back to the slave trade.

From BBC

Between them, on Tuesday alone the royal couple visited the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, a food bank, a social housing project, a literacy initiative and a community barbecue.

From BBC

Teaching digital literacy can begin as early as preschool, fostering responsible online citizenship and empowering children.

From Salon

Other research shows that boys tend to be slightly more proficient in financial literacy, and women are twice as likely as men in adulthood to have negative feelings about money.

From Salon

Related Words

• education
• knowledge
• learning
• proficiency