Synonyms for illiterates
noun fool- ass
- birdbrain
- blockhead
- bonehead
- boob
- bore
- buffoon
- clod
- clown
- cretin
- dimwit
- dolt
- dope
- dumb ox
- dunce
- dunderhead
- easy mark
- fair game
- fathead
- goose
- halfwit
- idiot
- ignoramus
- illiterate
- imbecile
- innocent
- jackass
- jerk
- lamebrain
- lightweight
- loon
- moron
- nerd
- nincompoop
- ninny
- nitwit
- numskull
- oaf
- sap
- schlemiel
- silly
- simple
- simpleton
- softhead
- stooge
- sucker
- tomfool
- turkey
- twerp
- twit
- victim
Word Origin & History
early 15c., "uneducated, unable to read (originally of Latin)," from Latin illiteratus "unlearned, unlettered, ignorant; without culture, inelegant," from assimilated form of in- "not, opposite of" (see in- (1)) + literatus, literally "furnished with letters" (see literate). As a noun meaning "illiterate person" from 1620s. Hence, illiterati (1788).
Example Sentences forilliterates
And don't forget that the illiterates have the power in their hands.
The other caste—the Illiterates—were dependents of the Intellectuals.
But Italy is not the country of illiterates that the stranger presupposes.
Certainly not of the great mass of working women and illiterates!
Have not women, the illiterates of love, all the intuitions of ignorance?
The number of illiterates in Russia varies from 70 to 80 per cent.
In 1880 the percentage of illiterates among the race was approximately 70.
Only those above the age of fourteen are counted as illiterates.
Then, in his opinion, there is something to be said for the illiterates who remain here.
How wily were these illiterates in the pursuit of game—how ready in an emergency!