1. the inability to read and write
2. lack of knowledge or competence in a specified area

Examples

• Adult illiteracy remains a serious problem in many developing countries.
• The government launched a campaign to combat illiteracy in rural areas.
• Computer illiteracy can be a barrier to finding employment.
• Financial illiteracy leads many people to make poor investment decisions.
• The organization works to reduce illiteracy through free reading programs.
• Scientific illiteracy makes it difficult for citizens to understand climate change.
• High rates of illiteracy correlate with poverty in many regions.