Functional illiteracy relates to the lack of adequate ability to read and write which leads to sociocultural disadvantages. It is the process of acquiring a level of literacy which will help an individual to attain a standard of living.
They comprise of individuals who have basic knowledge on how to read and write but do not have the required capacity to perform a professional task or to earn a livelihood.
In America about 32 million people or 14% of the total population are considered to be 'functionally illiterate'.
