literacy
Americannoun
-
the ability to read and write
-
the ability to use language proficiently
Other Word Forms
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.
Vocabulary lists containing literacy
Power Suffix: -acy
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This Week in Words: September 8 - 14, 2018
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Don't let AI technology undermine your willingness to trust anything you see and hear," said Hannah Covington, senior director of education content at the nonprofit News Literacy Project.
From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026
With Financial Literacy Month kicking off this week, I’ve had to take a hard look at something that I’ve long avoided: figuring out my monthly spending habits.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026
That number is expected to rise to 30 by the time the Class of 2031 graduates, according to the Center for Financial Literacy at Champlain College.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 29, 2025
Literacy instruction has been controversial in California for decades, but state legislators may have finally decided on a compromise.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2025
But I didn’t care, because I figured it all out, thanks to Miss Cowper’s County Literacy Unit.
From "Okay for Now" by Gary D. Schmidt
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
