Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lacking basic mathematical skills and understanding: Describes a person who is unable to understand or work with numbers, basic mathematical concepts, and simple calculations.
   • Characterized by an inability to use numerical data: Can describe a state, analysis, or argument that fails to properly incorporate or interpret numerical information.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • He is completely innumerate and struggles to calculate a simple restaurant tip.
  • The report's conclusions were flawed because the author was innumerate and misread the statistical data.
  • An innumerate population can be at a significant disadvantage in the modern economy.

Advanced Usage

• Used to describe a systemic or educational failing: The term can be applied critically to systems that produce citizens without essential numerical literacy.
  • The curriculum reform aims to address the problem of creating an innumerate generation.
• Contrast with "numerate": Often used explicitly in contrast to its opposite.
  • While highly literate, the classicist admitted to being largely innumerate.

Variants and Related Words

• Innumeracy (noun): The condition of being innumerate; widespread lack of basic mathematical competence in a group.
  • The government launched a campaign to tackle adult innumeracy.

Synonyms

• Mathematically illiterate: Lacking knowledge in mathematics.
• Numeral-challenged: A more informal or euphemistic synonym.

Antonyms

• Numerate: Having a good basic knowledge of arithmetic and mathematics; able to understand and work with numbers.

Adjective

1. lacking knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts and methods