illiterate

Unable to read and write.

• Her grandfather was illiterate.
• The program teaches illiterate adults to read.
• Many children remained illiterate because they could not attend school.

Similar words: unable to read

Opposites: literate

Common phrases: illiterate adults, illiterate population, remain illiterate

Knowing very little about a particular subject or how to use something.

• I'm almost computer illiterate.
• She felt technologically illiterate when she started her new job.
• The course helps people who are financially illiterate.

How to use it: illiterate in something (He admitted that he was illiterate in financial matters.)

Similar words: ignorant, uninformed

Opposites: knowledgeable

Common phrases: computer illiterate, financially illiterate, technologically illiterate

A person who cannot read or write.

• He grew up as an illiterate.
• The charity offered reading classes for adult illiterates.
• An illiterate may need help reading an official letter.

Common phrases: an illiterate, adult illiterate, teach an illiterate

A person who knows very little about a particular subject.

• He is a computer illiterate.
• Financial illiterates may struggle to understand interest rates.
• Even a technical illiterate can use this simple device.

Opposites: expert

Common phrases: computer illiterate, financial illiterate, business illiterate