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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
September Words
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
This Week in Words: September 8 - 14, 2018
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
He ignores important studies of literacy and popular reading while he quotes from studies of unrepresentative intellectuals.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 15, 2026
The end of articles about “the end of reading”: Countless pundits, teachers, and researchers have warned that we are in the middle of a literacy crisis.
From Slate ● Oct. 13, 2026
Perhaps the most sobering statistic in this documentary is that there are eight million adults in the UK who struggle with even basic levels of literacy.
From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026
“That’s your decision in regard to whether or not you use it,” said Norman Weekes, the AI literacy educator and entrepreneur who presented the topic to the group.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2026
In Ionia, the Phoenician alphabet was first adapted to Greek usage and widespread literacy became possible.
From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions 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.
