illiteracy

American  

[ih-lit-er-uh-see] / ɪˈlɪt ər ə si /

noun

plural

illiteracies

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.

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Other Word Forms

• semi-illiteracy
  noun

Etymology

Origin of illiteracy

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

Explanation

Illiteracy is the inability to read. You can help someone overcome illiteracy by reading together, or even by sharing your knowledge of vocabulary. The word literacy means “the ability to read.” By adding the prefix il-, you change the meaning of the word to its opposite. Illiteracy can refer not only to the inability to read but also to a lack of knowledge in other subject areas. If you’ve never heard of Shakespeare, some people might consider you culturally illiterate.

Example Sentences

Illiteracy provides the foundation for being governed, not how to govern.

From Salon • May 18, 2019

I wonder, How can seeing a Woman's arms distract you from Dealing with important issues eg Poverty, Illiteracy, Lack Of important Infrastructure etc?

From BBC • Sep. 4, 2018

Illiteracy is rampant in the country, and many of those overseeing the election received only a day or two of training.

From New York Times • Dec. 30, 2015

"Illiteracy in Britain should be something our schoolchildren know only from the pages of their history books," says Dinsmore.

From The Guardian • Sep. 8, 2014

Illiteracy is a pick-and-shovel estate, a life sentence to meniality.

From Conservation Through Engineering Extract from the Annual Report of the Secretary of the Interior by Lane, Franklin K.

Related Words

• functional illiteracy
• illiterateness