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Definition of literacy

literacy

/ˈlɪt.ər.ə.si/
lit · er · a · cy
Plural:literacies
•
Adjective:literate
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literacy Lexical Profile

literacy Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The ability to read and write.

Example

"Adult education programs have significantly increased the region's overall literacy rate over the past decade."

2

Competence, practical skill, or foundational knowledge in a specified area or subject.

Example

"The community college recently introduced a workshop focused on personal financial literacy and budgeting."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for literacy
Antonyms
View all antonyms for literacy

• Rhymes for literacy

• Nearby Words

litani
litany
liter
literacy
literal
literalism
literalist

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 19th century from the adjective 'literate' (derived from Latin 'litteratus', meaning 'marked with letters' or 'educated') on the pattern of its older antonym 'illiteracy'.

Cite this Entry

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