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.

Literacy, numeracy and a sense of scientific problem-solving are the fundamental underpinnings of education for everybody, rich and poor alike.

—David Hamburg

Examples of numeracy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is not an ideological role but a fiduciary one, requiring responsibility, numeracy and integrity. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026

Eneza Education supports literacy and numeracy in remote rural areas of Kenya and Côte d’Ivoire and has achieved a 23% improvement in academic performance after learning with the platform for nine months. —José Manuel Barroso, Fortune, 17 Feb. 2026

This goes down to the foundations of addressing the growing literacy and numeracy crisis, including recovering from COVID-era and post-COVID learning loss. —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026

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

Word History

Etymology

Latin numerus number entry 1 + -acy (in literacy)

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above