literacy

American  

[lit-er-uh-see] / ˈlɪt ər ə si /

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.

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literacy British  

/ ˈlɪtərəsɪ /

noun

1. the ability to read and write

2. the ability to use language proficiently

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• antiliteracy
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of literacy

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

Explanation

If you can read this sentence and write one of your own, you possess literacy. In Latin, littera means "letter." Back in the day, a person who could read and write was described as lettered. Literacy can also mean having knowledge or ability in a more specific area. Since you bought grandma that laptop, her computer literacy has really improved: she just posted her newest exercise video.

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, families will be able to access financial literacy materials aimed at educating parents and children about investing.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

Leo has emphasised the need for "digital literacy... to understand how algorithms shape our perception of reality."

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

The entire performance depends on presenting basic historical literacy as forbidden knowledge.

From Salon • May 20, 2026

Digital literacy hasn't kept pace, Gupta says, but adds that things are slowly changing due to public awareness campaigns and reporting in the media.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

And I worry that it’ll be hard to calm Papá when he learns she gave me permission to join the literacy campaign.

From "Across So Many Seas" by Ruth Behar

Related Words

• education
• knowledge
• learning
• proficiency