analfabetismo

illiteracy

noun ah-nahl-fah-beh-TEEZ-moh Rare

Origin: From Greek analphabetos (not knowing the alphabet), via Italian.

Usage Note

Analfabetismo denotes the inability to read and write (analfabeta = illiterate person). The term analfabetismo funzionale (functional illiteracy) is widely used in Italian policy debate. The adjective/noun analfabeta is invariable in the singular: un analfabeta / una analfabeta.

Examples

"L'analfabetismo è ancora un problema in alcune regioni."

Natural Translation

Illiteracy is still a problem in some regions.

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