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 of literacy

• education
• knowledge
• 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

As a result, Gen Z still consistently lags older generations in financial literacy across all eight key personal finance areas measured by TIAA, with many young adults struggling to answer basic questions about saving, borrowing, and investing. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026

Support for new state laws was strongest among Black voters — 72% — who historically have been targeted with discriminatory voting policies, including Jim Crow-era laws such as literacy tests and poll taxes. —Phil Willon, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026

The measure put a stop to poll taxes and literacy tests, which had disproportionately reduced Black voter registration. —Allison Mashell Mitchell, The Conversation, 1 Apr. 2026

This will widen disparities in healthcare access, health literacy and preventative care. —Dr. Howard A. Selinger, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing literacy

• digital 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