What does "literacy" mean?

1. (reading and writing) the ability to read and write your own language. 2. (knowledge of a subject) having enough knowledge or skills to understand a specific subject well.

How do you use "literacy"?

Uncountable when referring to the general ability to read and write. Often functions as the second part of a compound noun, such as 'digital literacy' or 'media literacy'.

literacy

US //ˈɫɪtɝəsi// UK //lˈɪtəɹəsi// lit·er·a·cy

1 reading and writing (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the ability to read and write your own language.

the ability to read and write at a functional level within a society.

Example

The government is investing more money to improve adult literacy in rural areas.

Example

Despite significant investment in the primary education system, adult literacy rates remained stubbornly low in the most isolated provinces.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general ability to read and write.
- scholarship
- education
- illiteracy
2 knowledge of a subject (n.)
C1 Advanced Academic

having enough knowledge or skills to understand a specific subject well.

competence or knowledge in a specified area, often used with a qualifying noun.

Example

In today's world, computer literacy is just as important as reading.

Example

The curriculum aims to foster financial literacy among teenagers, ensuring they understand the long-term implications of compound interest and debt.

Usage

Often functions as the second part of a compound noun, such as 'digital literacy' or 'media literacy'.
- ignorance

Origin

From literate + -cy.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026