functional illiteracy
Can't comprehend documents
Functional illiteracy describes the inability to read and write well enough to handle everyday tasks—filling out forms, understanding instructions, following written directions at work.
Someone who is functionally illiterate may recognize words and read simple sentences but lacks the literacy skills needed to function independently in modern society.
The term distinguishes this practical deficit from total illiteracy: High rates of functional illiteracy limit workforce productivity.
- readingInterpreting written text
- reading levelText difficulty rating
- strugglingExperiencing serious difficulty
- comprehensionMental understanding of meaning
- dropoutOne who quits early
can't read · high school diploma · poverty · forms · instructions · labels · confused · shame · hidden · asking for help · workplace · adult · adult learner · education · basic · skills · signing · job application
functional illiteracyfunctional literacy
Ability to use text practically
literacy · reading proficiency · reading fluency · reading comprehension
functional illiteracyinformation literacy
Skill in evaluating sources
digital literacy · media literacy · cultural literacy · self-sufficiency · social inclusion
functional, function, functions, functioning, functioned, functionary, functionaries, dysfunction, dysfunctional