illiteracy
noun
il·lit·er·a·cy
(ˌ)i(l)-ˈli-t(ə-)rə-sē 
plural illiteracies
1
: the quality or state of being illiterate
especially
: inability to read or write
2
: a mistake or crudity (as in speaking) typical of one who is illiterate
Examples of illiteracy in a Sentence
the government's efforts to reduce illiteracy
His letters contain many misspellings and illiteracies.
Recent Examples on the Web
But in a world faced with emerging viruses, the near-certainty of future pandemics, and a rising tide of scientific illiteracy, old and square is sometimes a good thing.
—
Peter Hotez, TIME, 2 May 2024
The foundation's mission is to empower people and communities in situations of poverty, illiteracy, distress due to illness, and social exclusion.
—The Enquirer, 8 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for illiteracy 
Peter Hotez, TIME, 2 May 2024
The foundation's mission is to empower people and communities in situations of poverty, illiteracy, distress due to illness, and social exclusion.
—The Enquirer, 8 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for illiteracy
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'illiteracy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near illiteracy
Cite this Entry
“Illiteracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illiteracy. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
illiteracy
noun
il·lit·er·a·cy
(ˈ)il-ˈ(l)it-ə-rə-sē
-ˈ(l)i-trə-sē
plural illiteracies
1
: the quality or state of being illiterate
especially
: inability to read or write
2
: a mistake made by or typical of an illiterate person
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