1. the inability to read or write: "the ineffective educational system meant that illiteracy was widespread"Similarilliteratenessinability to read or writeignoranceunawarenessinexperienceunenlightenmentbenightednesslack of knowledgelack of educationinformal:cluelessnessliterary:nescienceOppositeliteracy
▪ lack of knowledge in a particular subject; ignorance:"his economic illiteracy"