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Definition of illiterate

illiterate

/ɪˈlɪt.ər.ət/
il · lit · er · ate
Adverb:illiterately
•
Plural:illiterates
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illiterate Lexical Profile

illiterate Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Unable to read or write.

Example

"The community literacy program offered free evening classes to help illiterate adults learn to read."

2

Lacking knowledge or competence in a particular subject or activity.

Example

"Many seniors initially felt computer illiterate before attending the library's digital workshops."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A person who is unable to read or write, or who lacks basic competence in a specified field.

Example

"The public school reform aimed to drastically reduce the number of illiterates in rural provinces."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for illiterate

• Nearby Words

illinois
illinois river
illiteracy
illiterate
illiterately
illness
illogic

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Latin illiteratus ('unlearned, ignorant'), formed from the privative prefix in- (assimilated to il- before 'l') and litteratus ('learned, knowing letters').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Illiterate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/illiterate
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