Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person with some ability to read and write but not enough for daily practical needs: A "functional illiterate" is an individual whose literacy skills are insufficient to manage tasks that are common and necessary in everyday life, such as reading instructions, filling out forms, or understanding basic written information.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The literacy program aims to help functional illiterates improve their skills to find better employment.
  • Despite graduating high school, he was classified as a functional illiterate because he couldn't understand a bus schedule.

Advanced Usage

• Functional illiteracy (n): The condition of being a functional illiterate.
  • The high rate of functional illiteracy in the region is a major concern for economic development.

Variants and Related Words

• Functionally illiterate (adj): Describing a person who is a functional illiterate.
  • The survey identified a large number of functionally illiterate adults.

Synonyms

• Marginally literate person: A person with very basic literacy skills.
• Low-literate individual: An individual with limited reading and writing proficiency.

Related Phrases

• Struggle with practical texts: To have difficulty reading materials needed for daily tasks.
  • Many functional illiterates struggle with practical texts like utility bills or medication labels.

Noun

1. a person with some ability to read and write but not enough for daily practical needs