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 Word Forms

• antiliteracy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of literacy¹

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

Example Sentences

Usually, it’s low financial literacy and/or high confidence in social media-driven messaging.

Read more on MarketWatch

Campbell told the conference: "The uncomfortable truth is this, because of the Welsh government's failure to get even the basics right in literacy and numeracy, our pupils are not fulfilling their potential."

Read more on BBC

By highlighting the profound, yet often overlooked, role of coccolithophores, scientists want to inspire a new wave of ocean literacy, policy focus, and public engagement.

Read more on Science Daily

Newsom focused on the benefit of state initiatives, including transitional kindergarten, universal free school meals and more funding for before and after school programs and literacy coaches.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Making sure that people have access to credible, trustworthy health information that is tailored to their language and their literacy and all kinds of things is essential,” he said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• education 
• knowledge 
• learning 
• proficiency