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 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
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Fifty years of neglect and ignorance has led us to this day when 4,500 homeless individuals are roaming our streets and subways.—
Lucius Riccio,
New York Daily News,
1 Feb. 2026
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According to Tuff, what causes leaders to miss these paradigm shifts is not ignorance but hesitation.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illiteracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illiteracy. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
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