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Provide the Expanded Form of Abbreviations

WCAG 2.1 Ultimate Guide
Disabilities Affected: Cognitive, Visual
Success Criterion: 3.1.4
Level: AAA
WCAG Link
A mechanism for identifying the expanded form or meaning of abbreviations must be available.

Why It Matters

Abbreviations and acronyms can be ambiguous or unfamiliar to users, hindering comprehension. Screen readers may mispronounce acronyms if they don’t know the expanded form. Providing the full expansion helps clarity.

Fixing the Issue

For each abbreviation or acronym:

  • Provide the full expansion in parentheses the first time it’s used (e.g., “Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)”).
  • Use the <abbr> element with a title attribute containing the full expansion (e.g., <abbr title=”HyperText Markup Language”>HTML</abbr>). Note: title attribute support on touch devices can be unreliable.
  • Include the abbreviation and its expansion in a glossary linked from the page. The first method (providing expansion on first use) is often the clearest.

Good Code Example

Using <abbr> and providing expansion on first use:

  • <p>
  The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced a new mission.
  Future references can simply use NASA.
<p>
  We need to validate the <abbr title="HyperText Markup Language">HTML</abbr> code.
  Is the <abbr title="Cascading Style Sheets">CSS</abbr> also valid?
</p></p>

  • The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced a new mission. Future references can simply use NASA.

    We need to validate the HTML code. Is the CSS also valid?

Bad Code Example

Using abbreviations without providing the expanded form:

  • <p>
  Submit your TPS report by EOD Friday. Check the FAQ if you have questions.
  The new API uses REST principles.
</p>

  • Submit your TPS report by EOD Friday. Check the FAQ if you have questions. The new API uses REST principles.

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