Meaning: Unable to read or write; lacking education.
Hindi: अशिक्षित
Synonyms: unlettered, uneducated, unschooled, untaught
Antonyms: literate, educated, lettered
Asked in: SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Matriculation Level) · SSC CPO 2025 T-1
illiterate in SSC previous-year questions
- SSC CPO 2025 T-1 One Word Substitution
Someone who is unable to read or write is referred to as...
Answer & explanation
Answer: A) Illiterate
Correct Answer: Option 1 — Illiterate
'Illiterate' means unable to read or write. The prefix 'il-' (a form of 'in-') means 'not', and 'literate' means able to read and write.
Why the others are wrong:
Option 2 — 'Literate' means able to read and write — the opposite of what is described.
Option 3 — 'Literature' refers to written works; it is a noun for a body of writing, not a description of a person.
Option 4 — 'Reader' means someone who reads; the opposite of one unable to read. - SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Matriculation Level) One Word Substitution
From the given alternatives, select the one-word substitution of the following: “A person who is unable to read and write” is:
Answer & explanation
Answer: A) Illiterate
Meaning: illiterate = unable to read and write *(निरक्षर, अनपढ़)*.
*il-* (not) + *literate* (able to read and write).
Why the others are wrong.
#B innocent = not guilty, or free from evil *(निर्दोष, भोला)*.
#B ignorant = lacking knowledge or information *(अज्ञानी)* — a literate person can still be ignorant of a subject, so this is broader than reading and writing.
#B idle = not working, lazy *(निठल्ला, आलसी)*.
Answer: Illiterate
*Illiterate is about letters; ignorant is about knowledge.*
Examples
- “The campaign aims to teach illiterate adults to read.”
illiterate – questions
What is the meaning of illiterate in Hindi?
illiterate means “अशिक्षित” in Hindi. In English: Unable to read or write; lacking education.
What are the synonyms of illiterate?
Synonyms of illiterate: unlettered, uneducated, unschooled, untaught.
What is the opposite of illiterate?
Antonyms of illiterate: literate, educated, lettered.
Has illiterate been asked in SSC exams?
Yes – illiterate has been asked 2 times in SSC exams: SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Matriculation Level), SSC CPO 2025 T-1.