as in ignorance
the state of being unlearned
far too many children are doomed to a lifetime of illiteracy in that country
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of illiteracy
From growing up in abject poverty and illiteracy to being one of the world’s most celebrated high jewelry artists.
—
Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
But digital illiteracy still constrains African banks’ ability to serve their customers, according to nearly 8 in 10 respondents, made up of 203 senior banking executives from 40 African countries.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Well aware of the magnitude of its goal — to eliminate illiteracy globally by 2040 — WLF relies on its youth ambassadors to get the job done, taking them through an intensive, three-month training program.
—Isabel Rivera, Miami Herald, 9 Aug. 2025
The Financial Literacy Gap The consequences of financial illiteracy are far-reaching.
—Monique Johnson, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for illiteracy
Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
But digital illiteracy still constrains African banks’ ability to serve their customers, according to nearly 8 in 10 respondents, made up of 203 senior banking executives from 40 African countries.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Well aware of the magnitude of its goal — to eliminate illiteracy globally by 2040 — WLF relies on its youth ambassadors to get the job done, taking them through an intensive, three-month training program.
—Isabel Rivera, Miami Herald, 9 Aug. 2025
The Financial Literacy Gap The consequences of financial illiteracy are far-reaching.
—Monique Johnson, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for illiteracy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illiteracy
ignorance
Noun
-
This shocking ignorance and insensitivity by Ocasio-Cortez should rule her out of any potential presidential bid or other high office.—
Benjamin Weinthal,
FOXNews.com,
14 Feb. 2026
-
There are still many in this country who value truth, who believe that history should be preserved and not erased, who understand that constitutional rights should not be swept away to suit the whims of a megalomaniac, and who refuse to wallow in ignorance and hate.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illiteracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illiteracy. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
