illiteracy

/ɪˈlɪɾerəsi/

/ɪˈlɪterəsi/

Other forms: illiteracies

Illiteracy is the inability to read. You can help someone overcome illiteracy by reading together, or even by sharing your knowledge of vocabulary.

The word literacy means “the ability to read.” By adding the prefix il-, you change the meaning of the word to its opposite. Illiteracy can refer not only to the inability to read but also to a lack of knowledge in other subject areas. If you’ve never heard of Shakespeare, some people might consider you culturally illiterate.

Definitions of illiteracy

1. noun

   an inability to read
   synonyms: analphabetism

   antonyms:

   literacy

   the ability to read and write

   type of:

   inability

   lack of ability (especially mental ability) to do something
2. noun

   ignorance resulting from not reading
   type of:

   ignorance

   the lack of knowledge or education