3.1.3 Unusual Words
A mechanism is available for identifying specific definitions of words or phrases used in an unusual or restricted way, including idioms and jargon.
Last reviewed: September 9, 2026
Understanding 3.1.3
Text sometimes uses words in a specialized, figurative, or restricted sense that differs from their everyday dictionary meaning: industry jargon, idioms, or terms with a narrow technical definition specific to the content's domain. Readers with cognitive or learning disabilities, unfamiliar domain knowledge, or non-native language proficiency can be lost by these usages even though they recognize the word itself. This criterion asks authors to make a definition mechanism available so meaning isn't assumed.
How to Meet It
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually counts as "unusual" for this criterion?
Words or phrases used non-literally (idioms), industry- or field-specific jargon, or terms whose meaning in this content is narrower or different from their everyday dictionary sense, not just difficult or long words in general.
Related Success Criteria
Quick Facts
- Criterion3.1.3
- LevelAAA
- IntroducedWCAG 2.0
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