Want to say illiterate differently? Here are other words for illiterate and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.
Meaning of illiterate
unable to read or write
Etymology of illiterate
The word "illiterate" comes from the Latin words "il-" (meaning "not") and "litteratus" (meaning "lettered" or "educated"), with the suffix "-ate" forming an adjective
The term has been used in English since the 15th century to describe individuals who lack the ability to read or write
Synonyms
uneducated
unschooled
uninformed
untaught
unlearned
ignorant
unread
unlettered
ill-informed
misinformed
uninstructed
untrained
unskilled
amateurish
unrefined
crude
primitive
backward
uncivilized
unsophisticated
naive
simple
unenlightened
benighted
dark
unacquainted
unfamiliar
unversed
uninitiated
untutored
unguided
miseducated
miseducated
semiliterate
aliterate
preliterate
nonliterate
analphabetic
innumerate
unnumerate
Definitions
- Unable to read or write, especially as a result of having had little or no education
- * Lacking knowledge or education in a particular subject or field
Usage Examples
- The charity aims to reduce the number of illiterate adults in the community
- * She was illiterate in mathematics and struggled to balance her budget
- * The program provides literacy training for illiterate immigrants