as in ignorance
the state of being unlearned
far too many children are doomed to a lifetime of illiteracy in that country
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Recent Examples of illiteracy
From 1870 to 1900, the illiteracy rate fell by 47 percent.
—
John C. Goodman, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
The most disadvantaged castes today have higher rates of illiteracy and malnutrition, and receive fewer social services such as maternal care and reproductive health, Muttreja added.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
In a part of the world where illiteracy runs rampant, he was convinced that writers aren’t entertainers but spokespersons of the silent majority.
—Ilan Stavans, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025
Internet illiteracy is a dangerous thing that can lead to people being scammed.
—Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illiteracy
John C. Goodman, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
The most disadvantaged castes today have higher rates of illiteracy and malnutrition, and receive fewer social services such as maternal care and reproductive health, Muttreja added.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
In a part of the world where illiteracy runs rampant, he was convinced that writers aren’t entertainers but spokespersons of the silent majority.
—Ilan Stavans, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025
Internet illiteracy is a dangerous thing that can lead to people being scammed.
—Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illiteracy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illiteracy
ignorance
Noun
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The problem is not ignorance or bad arithmetic.—
Les Rubin,
Boston Herald,
7 Sep. 2025
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LaNasa echoed her friend’s concern while adding an ignorance of history will lead to its repetition.—
Chris Quintana,
USA Today,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illiteracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illiteracy. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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