illiterate
Americanadjective
-
unable to read and write.
an illiterate group.
-
having or demonstrating very little or no education.
-
showing lack of culture, especially in language and literature.
-
displaying a marked lack of knowledge in a particular field.
He is musically illiterate.
noun
adjective
-
unable to read and write
-
violating accepted standards in reading and writing
an illiterate scrawl
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uneducated, ignorant, or uncultured
scientifically illiterate
noun
Related Words
See ignorant.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of illiterate
First recorded in 1550–60, illiterate is from the Latin word illiterātus unlettered. See il- 2, literate
Explanation
You can describe a person unable to read or write as illiterate. Karaoke, which involves singing out the words to songs as they scroll across a big screen, requires the ability to read. If you’re illiterate, you won’t be able to participate. Illiterate, from the Latin illiteratus “unlearned, ignorant,” can describe someone unable to read or write, but it can also imply that a person lacks cultural awareness. However, Walt Whitman saw a unique beauty to illiteracy: “There is that indescribable freshness and unconsciousness about an illiterate person that humbles and mocks the power of the noblest expressive genius.”
Vocabulary lists containing illiterate
I Am Malala
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Freak the Mighty
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The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
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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.
Gorman said Illiterate Light was among the first of a group of bands that have been trying to find ways to make their shows more environmentally friendly.
From Seattle Times • Jul. 23, 2022
He later became an advocate for literacy programs after revealing that he was Illiterate for most of his life.
From Washington Times • Jul. 27, 2020
“They know Floyd Money Illiterate Mayweather,” she said.
From New York Times • May 8, 2018
Illiterate at the time of her trial, Mai become the first student in her own school.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2017
Business—classes in recording letters, using Illiterate business-machines, preparing Illiterate cards for same, filing recordings—always with the counsel, "When in doubt, consult a Literate."
From Null-ABC by Dongen, H. R. van
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.
