Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Illiteracy refers to the inability to read or write at a functional level necessary for everyday tasks.
Related terms
Functional Illiteracy: Functional illiteracy describes individuals who possess basic reading skills but struggle with more complex texts or tasks.
Literacy Rate: Literacy rate is the percentage of people in a population who can read and write at a specified age group.
Digital Divide: The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to technology (such as computers and internet) and those who do not, leading to disparities in digital literacy skills.