'web-illiterate' is a modern compound word formed from 'web,' referring to the World Wide Web, and 'illiterate,' meaning unable to read or write.

The term 'illiterate' has been used since the 15th century to describe someone unable to read or write. The prefix 'web-' was added in the late 20th century to describe a lack of internet skills.

Initially, 'illiterate' meant unable to read or write, but in the context of 'web-illiterate,' it evolved to mean lacking internet skills.