Illiterate

/ɪˈlɪt.ər.ət/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person who is unable to read or write.

The survey revealed that a significant number of illiterates live in rural areas.

adjective

Unable to read or write.

Many people in developing countries are still illiterate, lacking basic education.

Showing a lack of knowledge in a particular area.

He was illiterate regarding modern technology, struggling to use even the simplest applications.

From Latin 'illiteratus', from 'in-' meaning 'not' + 'literatus', meaning 'literate'.

illiterate society

A society where a significant portion of the population cannot read or write.

functionally illiterate

Able to read and write only very simple texts or understand basic information.

digital illiterate

A person who lacks the skills to use digital technology effectively.

literacy

The ability to read and write.

alfabetismo

The state of being literate.

functional literacy

The ability to read and write at a level adequate for everyday living.

Ignoramus

He acts like a total ignoramus when it comes to simple tasks.

Dummy

Don't be a dummy; just learn the basics of reading!