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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Recent Examples of illiteracy
This historical illiteracy – as well as a fundamental lack of understanding about what constitutes anti-Semitism – leaves institutions without clear standards for addressing the centuries-old hatred.
—
Kenneth L. Marcus,
Boston Herald,
13 Apr. 2026
They were not allowed to use their logo — a cricket bat — which is crucial in a country that has a high illiteracy rate.
—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
25 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for illiteracy
Kenneth L. Marcus,
Boston Herald,
13 Apr. 2026
They were not allowed to use their logo — a cricket bat — which is crucial in a country that has a high illiteracy rate.
—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
25 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for illiteracy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for illiteracy
ignorance
Noun
-
The once-vaunted values of public life are now reduced to the lower standards of private life—venality, vulgarity, rudeness, incontinence, and ignorance.
-
Not the innocence of ignorance.
Cite this Entry
“Illiteracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/illiteracy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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