Basic Literacy Terms

noun a person who is unable to read or write

adjective lacking the ability to read or write

• The government is working on programs to reduce the number of illiterate adults in the country.
• It's sad that some people are illiterate and can't read or write.
• I can't believe he's so illiterate, he can't even spell simple words correctly.
• Being illiterate in the digital age is like being lost in a foreign land without a map.

noun a plural noun referring to a basic set of principles or rules

• It is important for children to learn their ABC's at a young age.
• I need to brush up on my ABC's before the spelling bee.
• She knows her ABC's when it comes to computer programming.
• Understanding the ABC's of a new industry can be challenging at first.