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
Their parents sign their names with trembling hands that carry the invisible weight of illiteracy.
—
Joyeeta Banerjee, NPR, 1 Mar. 2026
The correlation between illiteracy and incarceration has been known for a long time.
—David Owen, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
Hirsch believes that the consequences of illiteracy are also reflected within the prison system.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025
In the immediate aftermath of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s murder, one of the most vexing things occluding the facts of what happened was a general illiteracy regarding the online culture that had engulfed the alleged killer — its memes and codes and ideologies.
—Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illiteracy
Joyeeta Banerjee, NPR, 1 Mar. 2026
The correlation between illiteracy and incarceration has been known for a long time.
—David Owen, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
Hirsch believes that the consequences of illiteracy are also reflected within the prison system.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025
In the immediate aftermath of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s murder, one of the most vexing things occluding the facts of what happened was a general illiteracy regarding the online culture that had engulfed the alleged killer — its memes and codes and ideologies.
—Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illiteracy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illiteracy
ignorance
Noun
-
From top to bottom, this administration embodies the perversity, ignorance and belligerence of its leader.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Apr. 2026
-
This action demonstrates the president’s monumental cruelty, total lack of empathy and compassion, pathological narcissism, boundless vengefulness, abysmal ignorance and glaring immaturity.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Illiteracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illiteracy. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
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