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.

Because many colonists were illiterate, the Declaration was commonly declaimed by local officials in town squares and preachers in pulpits.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

In her second term, she introduced a constitutional amendment to reserve 45 seats in the legislature for female MPs, and worked to educate young women - in a country where 70% of them were illiterate.

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2025

"Digital technology is an opportunity we cannot miss," she said, warning that "those who do not adapt risk becoming the illiterate of the 21st century".

From Barron's • Oct. 9, 2025

Over a third of lower-caste Indians are illiterate, compared to roughly a fifth on average.

From Salon • Feb. 2, 2025

One group of illiterate migrant workers began asking me to read and write letters to and from the wives and children back in the tribal reserves.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane