Word: Functionally Illiterate
Definition:"Functionally illiterate" is an adjective that describes a person who has reading and writing skills that are not good enough to handle everyday tasks. This means they may struggle to read simple things like signs, instructions, or letters, and they may have difficulty writing something as basic as a shopping list or a note.
Usage Instructions: You can use "functionally illiterate" to describe someone who cannot read or write well enough to manage daily activities, such as reading a bus schedule or filling out a form. It’s important to use this term respectfully, as it often refers to individuals who may not have had the opportunity to learn.
Example Sentence: - "Despite having graduated from high school, he is functionally illiterate and struggles to read job applications."
Advanced Usage: In academic or professional contexts, you might discuss the implications of functional illiteracy on employment opportunities, social integration, and access to information. For example: - "The report highlighted that a significant portion of the population is functionally illiterate, which poses challenges for workforce development."
Word Variants: - Functionality (noun): The quality of being functional or useful. - Literacy (noun): The ability to read and write; often refers to a general proficiency in reading and writing skills.
Different Meaning: - "Illiterate" itself simply means not able to read or write at all, while "functionally illiterate" means someone can read and write but not well enough for daily life.
Synonyms: - Semi-literate - Uneducated (in terms of reading and writing) - Low literacy
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:While there aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "functionally illiterate," you might use phrases like: - "In over their head": This can describe someone who is struggling to understand something complex, similar to how functionally illiterate individuals might feel when faced with written information. - "At a loss": This can describe a feeling of confusion, which might occur when someone cannot comprehend written text.
Conclusion:Understanding what "functionally illiterate" means helps us recognize the challenges some people face in reading and writing.