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Glite Dictionary
numeracy

numeracy

1 3.7
The ability to understand and use basic numbers and simple math
  • noun
  • /ˈnjuːməˌrəsi/
: numeración
  • According to Ofsted, employers are still struggling to find staff with suitable literacy and numeracy skills.
  • literacy and numeracy
  • early numeracy
  • numeracy skills

There are problems with numeracy as well, but problems with literacy in our society are real.

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Examples

  • One in five workers in Scotland may struggle with literacy or numeracy tasks at work. (WEA website)

    Academic text (2014)

  • Employers are looking for candidates with strong numeracy skills to fill job positions.

  • To live competently in the modern world, some basic skills in numeracy are necessary.

    Academic text (2000)

  • Communication was considered easier in this way for everyone, regardless of their literacy or numeracy abilities.

    Academic text (2014)

  • The focus of this study was to design and evaluate a brief early numeracy skills screening tool.

    Academic text (2015)

  • All educated women emphasized the importance of literacy, numeracy, and other academic knowledge gained in school.

    Academic text (2008)

  • Findings from the present study indicate that children's developing conceptions of numeracy were reflected in their play.

    Academic text (2009)

  • In the first stage, 393 preschool children were assessed on a battery of early numeracy tasks.

    Academic text (2015)

  • To live competently in the modern world, some basic skills in numeracy are necessary.

  • Many schools focus on improving students' numeracy to help them succeed in mathematics.

How Numerate

numeracy
1 3.7
innumerate
1 8.3

Surface Forms

numeracy singular
numeracies plural

Morphology

numeracy = numerate (transparent) = numerate + acy

Standard noun formation from the adjective 'numerate' with '-acy' (analogous to 'literacy'), so the meaning 'ability with numbers' is directly derived.

Etymology

Numeracy comes from the Latin root numer- meaning 'number' and the part -acy that shows a skill or state, and it is like literacy but for numbers. So, numeracy means the ability to understand and work with numbers.