literacy

noun

lit·​er·​a·​cy ˈli-t(ə-)rə-sē 

: the quality or state of being literate

a program to promote adult literacy

Synonyms

• education
• erudition
• knowledge
• learnedness
• learning
• scholarship

Examples of literacy in a Sentence

The program is intended to promote adult literacy among people who have had very little schooling.

Their goal is to achieve basic literacy.

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s lived out in real-time, through team wellness programs, financial literacy workshops, intentional family support, and shared moments of joy. —Jason Phillips, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025

City Council should partner in programs to prioritize literacy, intervention, and normalizing trade programs. —Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025

Many local organizations use Earth Day to engage schools, organize clean-up campaigns, promote climate literacy, and introduce new legislation. —Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025

Eggers has written nearly 50 books, runs an international youth literacy organization and his many honors include a Newbery Medal, The American Book Award, the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award for Education and the TED Prize. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing literacy

• visual literacy

Rhymes for literacy

• illiteracy

Kids Definition

literacy

noun

lit·​er·​a·​cy ˈlit-ə-rə-sē 

ˈli-trə-sē

: the quality or state of being literate

computer literacy

especially : ability to read and write