numeracy
noun
nu·mer·acy
ˈn(y)ü-mə-rə-sē 
ˈn(y)üm-rə-
: ability to understand and work with numbers : the quality or state of being numerate
The quality of education at the school is outstanding. Levels of literacy and numeracy are exceptionally good and the number of children requiring remedial attention is low.—
Ruth Rendell et al.
Ruth Rendell et al.Literacy, numeracy and a sense of scientific problem-solving are the fundamental underpinnings of education for everybody, rich and poor alike.—David Hamburg
David HamburgExamples of numeracy in a Sentence
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Some experts believe that evidence of string-making by Neanderthals more than 40,000 years ago indicates that our Stone Age ancestors had an understanding of mathematical concepts like pairs and sets, as well as other basic numeracy skills.
—Jasmin Sykes, CNN Money, 16 Jan. 2026
Early numeracy is not just another subject.
—Ct Mirror, Hartford Courant, 2 Jan. 2026
According to the news release, student volunteers produce videos, write stories, translate lessons and teach foundational material intended to help children build confidence in reading, writing, numeracy and essential life skills such as financial literacy.
—Del Mar Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Dec. 2025
In total, nearly 90 percent of young people fall short of essential literacy and numeracy.
—Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for numeracy
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Jasmin Sykes, CNN Money, 16 Jan. 2026
Early numeracy is not just another subject.
—Ct Mirror, Hartford Courant, 2 Jan. 2026
According to the news release, student volunteers produce videos, write stories, translate lessons and teach foundational material intended to help children build confidence in reading, writing, numeracy and essential life skills such as financial literacy.
—Del Mar Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Dec. 2025
In total, nearly 90 percent of young people fall short of essential literacy and numeracy.
—Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for numeracy
Cite this Entry
“Numeracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/numeracy. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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