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 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
-
My only advice is to NOT believe her if MIL tries to claim ignorance of the dangers that have informed your decision about phones.—
Virginia Chamlee,
PEOPLE,
15 Sep. 2025
-
But if the joke and the ignorance are equally yoked, people will laugh.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Illiteracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illiteracy. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share