illiterate
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
They want illiterate, groveling serfs, who live in fear and don’t stick around too long.
From Salon • Nov. 23, 2025
As the conversation gets rolling, she digs into her roots, explaining that her maternal grandmother was an illiterate indentured servant.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 21, 2025
A high number of pupils at the secondary school are "functionally illiterate", meaning they have a reading age well below average when they start Year 7.
From BBC • May 21, 2025
As Irish journalist and author Fintan O’Toole notes, by the mid-20th century, “the self-mocking joke was that most Irish people were illiterate in two languages.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2025
“Okay, Mr. Teacher! See you!” the soldier said and Ugwu thought he saw a glimmer of triumph in his eyes, the illiterate fool.
From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
![]()
Vocabulary lists containing illiterate
I Am Malala
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Freak the Mighty
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!