# illiterate

/ˌɪˈɫɪtɝət/ (US) · /ɪlˈɪtəɹət/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/illiterate
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. unable to read or write

adjective · CEFR B2

describes someone who has not learned how to read or write.

For teachers: unable to read or write; lacking the basic skills of literacy.

- In the past, many people remained illiterate because they could not attend school.
- The government launched a nationwide campaign to provide basic education to illiterate adults in rural provinces.

### 3. poorly written

adjective · CEFR C2 · Formal

written in a way that does not follow the rules of grammar or language.

For teachers: failing to conform to the prescribed standards of grammar, syntax, or formal writing.

- The manager was angry because the report was messy and illiterate.
- The professor dismissed the essay as illiterate, noting its complete disregard for standard academic punctuation and structure.

### 4. a person who cannot read

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a person who does not know how to read or write.

For teachers: an individual who lacks the ability to read or write.

- The charity provides special classes for illiterates to help them find better jobs.
- The census categorized a significant portion of the elderly population as illiterates due to the lack of schooling during the war years.

## Examples

- The charity helps illiterate adults learn to read.
- Despite being a brilliant mechanic, he remained functionally illiterate and struggled with the written safety manuals.
- In an increasingly digital economy, those who are technologically illiterate face significant barriers to employment and social participation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.