English Reference

Word

accessibility

Phoneticsac·ces·si·bil·i·ty, stress on the fourth syllable

US/ˌæksɛsəˈbɪɫɪti/

UK/ɐksˌɛsəbˈɪlɪti/

Definitions

01ease of reach or use

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. how easy it is to reach a place or use a service.

n. the quality of being easily reached, entered, or obtained. Uncountable in this general sense.

“The new train station improved the accessibility of the city centre for commuters.”

“The accessibility of the remote mountain village was significantly improved by the construction of a modern paved road and a reliable bus link.”

Synonyms

availabilityapproachability

Antonyms

inaccessibility

02design for disabilities

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Computing Technical

n. features that help people with disabilities use technology or buildings.

n. the design of products, devices, or environments for people with disabilities, particularly in digital or architectural contexts.

“The website has good accessibility because it works well with screen readers.”

“The developer prioritised accessibility by ensuring that all images had descriptive alt-text and the site was fully navigable via keyboard commands.”

Usage

Often used in the context of web standards or building codes.

Synonyms

usabilityinclusive design

03ease of understanding

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic

n. how easy it is to understand a piece of writing or an idea.

n. the quality of being easily understood or appreciated by a wide range of people.

“The professor was praised for the accessibility of his lectures on complex physics.”

“Critics lauded the novel for its accessibility, noting that it managed to explore profound philosophical themes without alienating the casual reader.”

Real-World Examples

“A distinct advantage to birding, especially compared to other types of outdoor recreation, is its accessibility.”
The Conversation 27 Jul 2026
“The Andalusian city of Málaga is popular with all kinds of tourists, including those with accessibility needs.”
The Local 14 Aug 2025
“In recent years, "accessibility tech," which encompasses devices, software, and features designed for users with disabilities, has gained traction among major tech firms.”
The Verge 15 Jul 2022
“For anyone facing issues with hearing, vision, or other senses, Android’s accessibility options can help bring the outside world closer and allow for forms of interaction that simply wouldn’t be possible without such technology.”
The Verge 14 Jul 2022

Etymology

From accessible + -ity, after Late Latin accessibilitas, from Latin accessibilis.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

NOUN

accessibility(B2)

Domain

Computing

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

QR code

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English Reference