1. Not able to read or write
   "In some regions, a significant portion of the population remains illiterate"
    
2. Uneducated in the fundamentals of a given art or branch of learning; lacking knowledge of a specific field
   "he is musically illiterate";
   - ignorant
    
3. Lacking culture, especially in language and literature
   "Despite his wealth, he was considered illiterate in matters of art and literature"

1. A person unable to read
   "The literacy program aimed to help illiterate adults learn basic reading skills";
   - nonreader
    
2. A person who cannot read or write
   "Programs were established to teach illiterates basic reading skills"

Derived forms: illiterates

See also: analphabetic, functionally illiterate, literacy, preliterate, semiliterate, uneducated, unlettered

Type of: ignoramus [informal], know nothing, uneducated person

Antonym: literate

Encyclopedia: Illiterate