# literacy

/ˈɫɪtɝəsi/ (US) · /lˈɪtəɹəsi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/literacy
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. reading and writing

noun · CEFR B2

the ability to read and write your own language.

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

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

### 2. knowledge of a subject

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

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

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

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

## Examples

- The government is working hard to improve adult literacy.
- Digital literacy is now a requirement for almost every office job in the modern economy.
- While basic literacy remains a primary goal for developing nations, educators in the West are increasingly focused on information literacy to help students navigate a landscape of digital misinformation.

---

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.