Synonyms of illiteracy

illiteracy

noun

(ˌ)i(l)-ˈli-t(ə-)rə-sē 

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

• ignorance
• idiocy
• dumbness
• functional illiteracy
• imbecility
• innumeracy
• philistinism
• stupidity
• mindlessness
• foolishness
• brainlessness
• witlessness
• senselessness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• literacy
• education
• learning
• training
• instruction
• knowledge
• scholarship
• enlightenment
• erudition

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of illiteracy

An early example was Radio Sutatenza, launched in 1947 by a Catholic priest hoping to combat illiteracy in rural communities of Colombia; the local effort eventually expanded to provide a variety of educational programming across a national network. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026

This historical illiteracy – as well as a fundamental lack of understanding about what constitutes anti-Semitism – leaves institutions without clear standards for addressing the centuries-old hatred. — Kenneth L. Marcus, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2026

And, contrary to some of its predecessors, The Audacity foregrounds the human wreckage that results from this explosive combination of emotional illiteracy and immense power. — Miles Klee, Wired News, 12 Apr. 2026

They were not allowed to use their logo — a cricket bat — which is crucial in a country that has a high illiteracy rate. — Nick Miller, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026