numeracy

noun

nu·​mer·​acy ˈn(y)ü-mə-rə-sē 

ˈn(y)üm-rə-

: ability to understand and work with numbers : the quality or state of being numerate

The quality of education at the school is outstanding. Levels of literacy and numeracy are exceptionally good and the number of children requiring remedial attention is low.

—Ruth Rendell et al.

Literacy, numeracy and a sense of scientific problem-solving are the fundamental underpinnings of education for everybody, rich and poor alike.

—David Hamburg

Examples of numeracy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adult learners are provided with the ability to improve basic literacy and numeracy skills, learn English and prepare for their citizenship exam, at no cost and in every community. —Larry Covino, Hartford Courant, 20 Mar. 2025

According to the United Nations, without additional measures, by 2030 approximately 300 million students globally will lack basic numeracy and literacy skills. —Unicef Usa, Forbes, 14 Mar. 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

People in Europe were almost entirely illiterate, while there was a high degree of literacy and numeracy in the Muslim world. —David Conrads, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin numerus number entry 1 + -acy (in literacy)

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above