illiteracy

Meaning

The inability to read and write; lack of education or knowledge in a particular area.

The inability to read or write.

Example Sentences

Illiteracy often leads to poverty and unemployment.

Illiteracy remains a major challenge in many developing countries.

Synonyms

ignorance, lack of education, unlearned state, uneducated condition, unawareness, ill-education, illiterateness

Entry 1

ignorance, lack of education, unlearned state, uneducated condition

Entry 2

ignorance, unawareness, ill-education, illiterateness

Antonyms

literacy, education, learning, knowledge, erudition, scholarship

Entry 1

literacy, education, learning, knowledge, erudition, scholarship

Entry 2

literacy, education, knowledge

Collocations

high illiteracy rate, fight illiteracy, widespread illiteracy, adult illiteracy