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

Managing how contracts expose token-level telemetry takes no new literacy, but gains you more visibility into AI value. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026

New Yorkers need opportunities to reskill and upskill throughout their careers, and AI literacy should be embedded in schools, colleges, workforce programs, and employer training. — Emma Pfohman, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026

Those types of branches offer financial literacy programs and resources to residents. — Chase Jordan july 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026

Last day of summer camp for young people The decision to move out of the space comes as a summer camp on business skills and financial literacy is wrapping up. — Kaicey Baylor, CBS News, 31 July 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