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Level AAAWCAG 2.0

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

Provide a way to look up the intended meaning of unusual or specialized terms: a glossary page linked from the term, an inline definition on first use, a definition list, or a tooltip/expandable definition triggered from the word itself. Apply this especially to idioms ("kick the bucket"), jargon, and words used in a domain-specific or figurative sense that differs from common usage.

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

3.1.1 Language of Page3.1.2 Language of Parts3.1.4 Abbreviations3.1.5 Reading Level

Quick Facts

  • Criterion3.1.3
  • LevelAAA
  • IntroducedWCAG 2.0

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