numeracy

noun

nu·​mer·​acy ˈn(y)ü-mə-rə-sē How to pronounce numeracy (audio)
ˈn(y)üm-rə-
: ability to understand and work with numbers : the quality or state of being numerate
The quality of education at the school is outstanding. Levels of literacy and numeracy are exceptionally good and the number of children requiring remedial attention is low.Ruth Rendell et al.
Literacy, numeracy and a sense of scientific problem-solving are the fundamental underpinnings of education for everybody, rich and poor alike.David Hamburg

Examples of numeracy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Like language, tool use, altruism, and numeracy, a grasp of mortality was long cordoned off as the special, if difficult, birthright of human beings. Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024 The news was dismal: only three out of ten third-grade students had mastered second-grade numeracy, and even fewer could read a second-grade story in English. Jim Yong Kim, Foreign Affairs, 14 June 2018 Revise the curriculum to emphasize fundamental skills — such as literacy, numeracy and critical thinking — to ensure students gain a solid academic foundation. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 4 Oct. 2024 In fact, scientists have proven that babies and toddlers show and develop numeracy—the ability to understand and work with numbers—early on. Shalinee Sharma, TIME, 7 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for numeracy 

Word History

Etymology

Latin numerus number entry 1 + -acy (in literacy)

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of numeracy was in 1959

Dictionary Entries Near numeracy

Cite this Entry

“Numeracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/numeracy. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!