literacy

noun

lit·​er·​a·​cy ˈli-t(ə-)rə-sē 

: the quality or state of being literate

a program to promote adult literacy

Synonyms

• education
• knowledge
• learning
• scholarship

Examples of literacy in a Sentence

The program is intended to promote adult literacy among people who have had very little schooling.

Their goal is to achieve basic literacy.

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead, it’s grown from the inside out, fueled by word of mouth, ingredient literacy, and a thriving global community of users who genuinely trust the brand. —Gabby Shacknai, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

Jokes about the decline in reading literacy among Americans abound, but a recent study confirms this troubling trend. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 16 Sep. 2025

How important is early literacy to you as a mom? —Essence, 16 Sep. 2025

The region's largest district and the second-largest in the state joins the 48 other districts in southwest Ohio evaluated based on performance, graduation rates, literacy and other components as part of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce's school report cards. —Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 15 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing literacy

• visual literacy

Rhymes for literacy

• illiteracy

Kids Definition

literacy

noun

lit·​er·​a·​cy ˈlit-ə-rə-sē 

ˈli-trə-sē

: the quality or state of being literate

computer literacy

especially : ability to read and write