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Glite Dictionary
analphabetism

analphabetism

9.9
The state of being unable to read
  • noun
  • /ˌænəˈlfəˌbɛtɪzəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : analfabetismo
  • The high rate of analphabetism in the region is a major barrier to economic development.

Examples

  • Government programs aim to reduce analphabetism through free education initiatives.

  • Due to widespread analphabetism, many adults rely on oral communication.

  • Many countries are struggling with analphabetism.

  • The high rate of analphabetism is alarming.

  • Government programs aim to reduce analphabetism through free education initiatives.

  • The high rate of analphabetism in the region is a major barrier to economic development.

  • Due to widespread analphabetism, many adults rely on oral communication.

Synonyms

illiteracy
vsanalphabetism
15 3.9

Not able to read or write

is focused on inability to read rather than broader skill gaps
nonliteracy
vsanalphabetism
8.2

A lack of reading and writing skills needed for daily life

focuses on being unable to read rather than limited practical reading and writing skills

Antonyms

literacy
43 2.6

The ability to read and write

How Literate

literacy
43 2.6
subliterate
1 9.5
analphabetism
  • Specialized
9.9

Surface Forms

analphabetism singular
analphabetisms plural

Morphology

analphabetism = analphabet (transparent) = an + alphabet + ism

Formed from 'analphabet' + '-ism'; the meaning as the state of being illiterate is directly inferable from these parts.

Etymology

The word analphabetism comes from the parts an- meaning 'not' and alphabet meaning 'letters', so it literally points to 'no letters' and describes the state of being unable to read.