1. the state or quality of being unable to read or write
2. lack of knowledge or education in a particular field or subject
Usage: often used figuratively

Examples

• High rates of illiterateness in rural areas remain a major challenge for the government.
• The organization works to combat illiterateness by providing free reading programs.
• His illiterateness in mathematics made it difficult for him to pursue engineering.
• Illiterateness is not the same as lack of intelligence.
• The study examined the correlation between illiterateness and poverty.
• She overcame her illiterateness through adult education classes.