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

• 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

Among them, a worn “Army of Alphabetizers” badge from Cuba’s 1961 literacy campaign, its lettering nearly faded.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 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

It requires more advanced financial literacy than just to take 10% off the top, however.

From MarketWatch • May 14, 2026

Most of this legislation focuses on creating a digital wellness program—where kids are taught about healthy phone use, digital literacy, and the influence of algorithms and A.I.

From Slate • May 12, 2026

I thought of how I had used my literacy to ridicule Hassan.

From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini

Related Words

• education
• knowledge
• learning
• proficiency