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

During the Tuesday, Jan. 21 school board meeting that followed the press conference, the board also approved a five-year strategic plan that includes a literacy goal of having 50% of third-graders reading on grade level by 2029 with annual gains leading up to it. —Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Jan. 2025

His son, President George W. Bush, worked with me to make financial literacy a federal policy and achieved historic advancements for Africa. —John Hope Bryant, TIME, 23 Jan. 2025

Previous Slide Next Slide #4: New Hampshire New Hampshire ranked fourth thanks to having the highest literacy and numeracy rates in the nation. —Ben Kesslen, Quartz, 22 Jan. 2025

If your child wants to watch the news, there are plenty of teachable moments and opportunities to foster literacy. —Ella Cerón, Parents, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing literacy

• visual literacy

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