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 of literacy

• 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

Anticipatory staircases aside, no amount of symbolic literacy can prepare you for a K-town elevator panel. — Skyli Alvarez, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026

That appeals in part because at the moment, our collective literacy, historical and otherwise, feels especially dire. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2026

There is one on voting in the Jim Crow South, complete with an interactive literacy test — once used to keep Black folks from voting. — Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026

Nemours also plans on partnering with the Orange County Library System to bring literacy programming to children who don’t go to preschool. — Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing literacy

• digital 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