functional illiterate

/'fʌɳkʃənli'litərit/

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Explanation of "Functional Illiterate"

Definition: A "functional illiterate" is a person who can read and write to some extent, but not well enough to handle everyday tasks that require these skills. This means they might struggle with reading instructions, filling out forms, or understanding simple texts that are important in daily life.

Usage Instructions

• Context: Use the term "functional illiterate" when discussing someone who has basic reading and writing skills but lacks the proficiency needed for practical, everyday situations.
• Form: It is a noun, so you can say “He is a functional illiterate” or “Many functional illiterates have trouble finding jobs.”

Example Sentences

1. "Although she can read short sentences, she is considered a functional illiterate because she cannot understand more complex instructions."
2. "Many adults in the community are functional illiterates, which makes it hard for them to apply for jobs or understand health information."

Advanced Usage

• In educational discussions, you might hear the term used in the context of literacy programs aimed at improving the skills of functional illiterates.
• In social studies, it can be related to discussions about poverty, education, and employment.

Word Variants

• Literacy (noun): The ability to read and write.
• Illiteracy (noun): The inability to read and write at all.

Different Meanings

• While "illiterate" generally means someone who cannot read or write, "functional illiterate" specifies that the person has some skills but not enough for practical use.

Synonyms

• Semi-literate: Someone who has limited reading and writing skills.
• Under-educated: A broader term that refers to someone who has not received enough education to meet societal norms.

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• "In over one’s head": This idiom can suggest that someone is in a situation they cannot handle, similar to how a functional illiterate might feel when faced with complex texts.
• "Bite off more than one can chew": This phrase can relate to someone taking on tasks that require more literacy skills than they possess.

Conclusion

Understanding the term "functional illiterate" helps us recognize that literacy is a spectrum. Some people may read and write, but they might still face challenges in daily life due to insufficient skills.

Academic

Noun

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