accessibility
ak-ses-uh-BIL-i-tee
/əkˌsesəˈbɪləti/
The quality of being able to be reached or entered; the quality of being easy to obtain or use.
In modern contexts, it often specifically refers to making things usable for people with disabilities.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'accessibilis', from 'accedere' (to approach). 'Ad-' (to) + 'cedere' (to go). It literally means 'the ability to go to' something.
Word relationships
- availability: Availability means it exists; accessibility means you can actually get to it or use it.
- inaccessibility: The state of being impossible to reach or use.
Commonly confused with
- approachability: Approachability refers to a person's personality; accessibility refers to a place or service's design.
Word family
- access (noun/verb): the means or opportunity to approach or enter a place.
- accessible (adjective): able to be reached or entered.
Collocations
- improve accessibility
- web accessibility
- physical accessibility
- lack of accessibility
Example sentences
- "The new clinic was praised for its accessibility, featuring ramps and braille signage throughout." Disability rights
- "Telehealth has greatly improved the accessibility of specialist care for rural patients." Digital health
Memory hook
Access-ability: The 'ability' to 'access' it. Can you get in the door?
When not to use
Don't use it to mean 'friendliness'; it's about the practical ability to use or reach something.
Fun facts
- The blue wheelchair symbol is the international symbol for accessibility, though many are now advocating for a more 'active' version of the icon.
Related words
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