What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
uneducated
Example
He is uneducated and struggles with basic math. [uneducated: adjective]
Example
She is uneducated about the latest technology trends. [uneducated: adjective]
illiterate
Example
Many adults in this community are illiterate and cannot fill out job applications. [illiterate: adjective]
Example
She is illiterate in English and struggles to communicate with others. [illiterate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Uneducated is more commonly used than illiterate in everyday language. Uneducated is a more general term that can be used in a broader range of contexts, while illiterate is typically used in discussions about literacy and education.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between uneducated and illiterate?
Both uneducated and illiterate are informal words, but uneducated can be used in more formal contexts than illiterate due to its broader usage.
