Understandable · Readable

3.1.3 Unusual Words

AAA only: unusual words, idioms or jargon have a way to look up their definition, such as a glossary link or a definition on first use.

Level AAA Added in WCAG 2.0 Needs manual review

What WCAG 3.1.3 Requires

AAA only: unusual words, idioms or jargon have a way to look up their definition, such as a glossary link or a definition on first use.

Can AccessBell Test This Automatically?

Not fully. Like most WCAG criteria that depend on meaning or context, this one needs a person to judge. AccessBell's report lists it for manual review rather than marking it pass or fail automatically, so it never gets missed.

How to Test It by Hand

Check whether unusual terminology links to a definition or glossary entry.

Common Failures

  • Industry jargon is used with no glossary or explanation anywhere on the site.

WCAG 3.1.3 Questions

What does WCAG 3.1.3 require?

AAA only: unusual words, idioms or jargon have a way to look up their definition, such as a glossary link or a definition on first use.

Can AccessBell test WCAG 3.1.3 automatically?

Not fully. This criterion needs a person to judge, so AccessBell's report lists it for manual review rather than marking it pass or fail on its own.

What level is WCAG 3.1.3?

Level AAA, added in WCAG 2.0. Level AAA is the highest, most demanding conformance level in WCAG.

Sources

This page explains a technical standard and is not legal advice. See our disclaimer.

Check Your Site Against WCAG 3.1.3

Run a free scan and see whether your pages pass 3.1.3 Unusual Words, along with every other criterion in WCAG 2.2, 2.1 or 2.0.

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