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All WCAG Criteria
3.1.3
AAA

Unusual Words

Understandable › 3.1 Readable › WCAG 2.0

Overview

A mechanism is available for identifying specific definitions of words or phrases used in an unusual or restricted way, including idioms and jargon.

Understanding

The W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) provides detailed guidance on understanding and implementing this criterion. The Understanding document covers the intent, benefits, and supporting techniques in depth.

Read Understanding 3.1.3 on W3C WAI

Techniques

W3C provides documented techniques for meeting this criterion. Each technique links to the full specification with code examples and test procedures.

How to Test

  1. Review the content or interaction for clarity and predictability.

  2. Test with users unfamiliar with the interface to identify confusing patterns.

  3. Verify that error messages are specific and provide guidance for correction.

  4. Confirm that UI behavior matches user expectations based on standard patterns.

How VPATify tests this

VPATify runs automated WCAG checks against every page you scan and flags violations against individual success criteria. Our deep scan combines axe-core, contrast analysis, and structural checks to catch criterion-level failures that single-tool scans miss. See the full testing methodology and features for what's covered at each level.

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