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

Example Sentences

Jane also says parents can teach their children digital literacy in a hands-on way.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

“This structure supports hands‑on learning and helps teens build confidence, financial literacy and responsible investing habits before adulthood.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

At Culver City High School, Young’s 12th-grade ethnic studies literature class was in the middle of a unit on stereotyping, racial and ethnic representation and media literacy when the news surfaced.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

As somebody interested in a teaching career, I firmly believe that the literacy problem in this country is, at its core, a threat to social justice.

From Slate • Mar. 20, 2026

We were supposed to be maestras together, and help and support each other throughout the literacy campaign.

From "Across So Many Seas" by Ruth Behar

Related Words

• education
• knowledge
• learning
• proficiency