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

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

He repeatedly emphasized civic literacy, institutional legitimacy, judicial independence and America’s founding ideals.

From Salon • May 11, 2026

“Radios, maybe one per hundred thousand residents. No telephones. Newspapers as scarce as hen’s teeth, and a literacy rate made to match. They get their evening news by listening to their neighbors’ drums.”

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

Related Words

• education
• knowledge
• learning
• proficiency