numeracy

noun

nu·​mer·​acy ˈn(y)ü-mə-rə-sē 

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

People in Europe were almost entirely illiterate, while there was a high degree of literacy and numeracy in the Muslim world. —David Conrads, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 Jan. 2025

Previous Slide Next Slide #6: Wyoming Wyoming took sixth place thanks to high numeracy rates, many bookstores per capita, and some of the highest rates of library visits in the country. —Ben Kesslen, Quartz, 22 Jan. 2025

For example, some people may process numerical information differently, which can make standard numeracy tasks more challenging. —Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 1 Oct. 2024

Texas has the fourth-lowest numeracy level in the U.S., according to a study by Excel Champs. —Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 1 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above