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accessibility

n.
US //ˌæksɛsəˈbɪɫɪti// UK //ɐksˌɛsəbˈɪlɪti// ac·ces·si·bil·i·ty
  1. 1 ease of reach or use (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

    • inaccessibility
  2. 2 design for disabilities (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

    features that help people with disabilities use technology or buildings.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    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.

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  1. 3 ease of understanding (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

Origin

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

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