illiteracy

noun

il·​lit·​er·​a·​cy (ˌ)i(l)-ˈli-t(ə-)rə-sē 

plural illiteracies

1

: the quality or state of being illiterate

especially : inability to read or write

2

: a mistake (as in speaking) typical of one who is illiterate

misspellings and illiteracies

Synonyms of illiteracy

• ignorance

Examples of illiteracy in a Sentence

the government's efforts to reduce illiteracy

His letters contain many misspellings and illiteracies.

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s no danger of spontaneous mass illiteracy, but the complex cognitive skills that reading fosters start to degrade. — Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026

And now creative events like the various fair demonstrations and exhibits bring the problem of illiteracy into public spaces and help remove the stigma surrounding it. — Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026

Integrity Children's Fund is a nonprofit organization that aims to reduce illiteracy among Jamaican and immigrant children by providing educational resources to underprivileged schools, according to the organization's official website. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 18 May 2026

Rabat has also been credited with empowering local women and youth through reading and fighting illiteracy, especially among underserved communities. — Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for illiteracy

• literacy

Kids Definition

illiteracy

noun

il·​lit·​er·​a·​cy (ˈ)il-ˈ(l)it-ə-rə-sē 

-ˈ(l)i-trə-sē

plural illiteracies

1

: the quality or state of being illiterate

especially : inability to read or write

2

: a mistake made by or typical of an illiterate person