non-reader

non-reader — noun

1. a person who cannot make sense of written words, or never learned how to read th

1.nounC1
Definition

a person who cannot make sense of written words, or never learned how to read them

Example

Because Salma left school early, she remained a non-reader as an adult.

remain a non-reader

The charity offers night classes for adults who are still non-readers.

adult non-readers in support programs

Common collocations
  • adult non-reader
  • be a non-reader
  • remain a non-reader
  • non-reader father
Synonyms
  • illiterate

    more common and often stronger, especially in formal discussion

  • non-literate

    more technical and often used in education or policy writing

Antonyms
  • reader

    the usual opposite for someone who can read

Grammar Patterns

be a non-reader

remain a non-reader

non-reader + family member

Usage Note

Usually describes someone who cannot use written text at all, not simply a person who does not enjoy books. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense can apply at any age, while sense 2 is specifically about a child's delayed reading development.

Common Mistakes

He is non-reader.
He is a non-reader.
Use the article a before this countable noun in singular form.

2. a child who learns to recognize words and read sentences more slowly than most c

2.nounC2
Definition

a child who learns to recognize words and read sentences more slowly than most children of the same age

Example

By age eight, Aoi was still a non-reader and needed extra reading lessons.

still a non-reader at age + number

The teacher paired the non-reader child with Jude for picture-book time.

non-reader child in class support

Common collocations
  • non-reader child
  • still a non-reader at eight
  • support a non-reader
  • worried non-reader
Synonyms
  • struggling reader

    broader, because the child may read but still have serious difficulty

  • late reader

    suggests reading skill develops later than expected

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

still a non-reader at age + number

non-reader child

support a non-reader at school

Usage Note

Used in school or child-development contexts for a child whose reading progress is late for that age. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense is age-specific and does not suggest permanent inability.

Common Mistakes

My son is a non-reader because he prefers video games.
My son is a non-reader for his age and needs reading help.
In this sense it refers to delayed reading development, not simply a child who likes other activities more than books.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

For sense 1, non-reader is a broad label for someone who cannot read written words, whether they never had the chance to learn or cannot do it now. Illiterate is the more common word, but it often sounds more formal and can feel harsher. Non-literate appears more often in education, research, or policy writing. Struggling reader is different because that person can usually read at least a little, but not well or easily. Beginner reader is also different: it often describes someone who is just starting and is expected to improve soon. A school report may mention a struggling reader, while a community survey may count adults who are non-readers.

illiterate ↗non-literate ↗struggling readerbeginner reader

Common collocations

Nouns

  • adult non-reader
  • non-reader child

Phrases

  • remain a non-reader
  • still be a non-reader

Etymology

English

Formed in English from the negative prefix non- and reader, so the word literally means a person who does not read.

First known use

1689

1689, in the meaning defined at sense 1