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.
Related Words
Explore Italian by topic
ItalianNow
5 min read