literacy rate
nounUK /ˈlɪt.ər.ə.si reɪt/
US /ˈlɪt̬.ɚ.ə.si reɪt/
The literacy rate is the number of people who can read and write in a place.
The country's literacy rate has risen since more schools were built.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A percentage used to compare how many adults in different regions can read and write.
Researchers compared the literacy rate of rural and urban areas.
3. A measure of basic reading and writing skills in a group or population.
The survey reported a high literacy rate among young people.
4. The proportion of people in a place who are able to read and write.
Improving the literacy rate is a goal for many developing countries.