ILLITERACY Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

illiteracy

noun

(ˌ)i(l)-ˈli-t(ə-)rə-sē

Definition of illiteracy next

as in ignorance

the state of being unlearned far too many children are doomed to a lifetime of illiteracy in that country

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of illiteracy The pattern is so consistent across the centuries that ignoring this requires a willful act of historical illiteracy. —

Anthony Scaramucci, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026 Their parents sign their names with trembling hands that carry the invisible weight of illiteracy. —

Joyeeta Banerjee, NPR, 1 Mar. 2026 The correlation between illiteracy and incarceration has been known for a long time. —

David Owen, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025 Hirsch believes that the consequences of illiteracy are also reflected within the prison system. —

Nia Bowers, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for illiteracy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for illiteracy

ignorance

Noun

Rather than implying ignorance, the silence becomes a constraint.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 3 May 2026
Darling, who co-wrote her romantic thriller along with fellow Baha’i and husband Clark Donnelly, added the title for her Cast Aside the Clouds film came from a poem by Iranian writer Tahireh about replacing ignorance with world unity, a key tenet of the Baha’i faith.

— Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 1 May 2026