Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having reading and writing skills insufficient for ordinary practical needs: Describes a person whose literacy skills are below the level required to manage daily living and employment tasks that demand reading and writing abilities beyond a basic level.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Despite attending school, he remained functionally illiterate and struggled to fill out a job application.
  • The program aims to help functionally illiterate adults improve their skills to navigate modern life.
  • A person who is functionally illiterate might have difficulty understanding a bus schedule or the instructions on a medicine bottle.

Advanced Usage

• Used in sociological or educational contexts: The term is often used in reports, studies, and discussions about education policy, workforce development, and social equity.
  • The study revealed that a significant portion of the population was functionally illiterate, impacting economic productivity.

Variants and Related Words

• Functional illiteracy (n): The condition of being functionally illiterate.
  • Combating functional illiteracy is a key goal for the community college.

Synonyms

• Marginally literate
• Having low literacy skills

Notes on Meaning

• Distinction from "illiterate": While "illiterate" typically means unable to read or write at all, "functionally illiterate" specifies an inability to use reading and writing skills effectively for everyday tasks, despite possibly having some basic ability. It describes a deficiency in practical application rather than a complete absence of skill.

Adjective

1. having reading and writing skills insufficient for ordinary practical needs