C1noun2K

Literacy

UK /["/ˈlɪtərəsi/"]/US /["/ˈlɪtərəsi/"]/

Definition

the ability to read and write

In simple words: The ability to read and write.

Examples

  • a campaign to promote adult literacy
  • basic **literacy skills**
  • Most of the students here need help with **literacy and numeracy**.
  • All the children are tested in basic literacy.
  • Literacy rates are lower among people from the poorer income groups.
  • Standards of literacy are slowly rising in the 5–8 age group.
  • **financial/health literacy**
  • We’re looking to hire an assistant with a high level of **digital literacy**.

Usage notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts. Appropriate when discussing education, skills, or societal issues. Avoid using it in very casual conversations where simpler terms could suffice.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'literature' and 'ability' — literacy is the ability to understand literature.

Collocations

  • basic
  • adult
  • mass
  • achieve
  • acquire
  • develop
  • campaign
  • initiative
  • programme/​program

Synonyms

  • reading ability
  • writing skills
  • education
  • knowledge
  • comprehension

Antonyms

  • illiteracy
  • inability
  • ignorance

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'illiteracy' which means not being able to read and write.
  • Using it only in the context of reading, instead of reading and writing.
  • Mispronouncing it as 'lit-eracy' instead of 'lit-er-a-cy'.