accessibility

[ ak-ses-uh-bil-uh-tee ]

noun

1. the quality of being easy to approach, reach, enter, speak with, use, or understand:

   Transportation in boats, land vehicles, and eventually aircraft dramatically increased the accessibility of most locations on the planet.

   What is most immediately noticeable about the music is its accessibility.

2. the quality of being usable, reachable, obtainable, etc.:

   The closeness and accessibility of the moon allow us to operate there in a way that is not possible with other space destinations.

   The Open Access policy establishes the company’s expectations relating to the public accessibility of data from research done by staff members or outside contractors.

3. the quality of being suitable or adapted for use by people with disabilities:

   Undoubtedly, tourism and travel revenues will come to depend more and more on adequate accessibility as the number of senior and disabled visitors grows in the coming decades.

Other Words From

• un·ac·ces·si·bil·i·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of accessibility¹

accessibl(e) ( def ) + -ity ( def )

Example Sentences

Most people simply do not have the funds to pay for a premium service, which creates an accessibility issue and class divide.

From Slate

The Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group, announced by the government, will work to make flying accessible for all "from booking to baggage claim".

From BBC

"Accessibility to help is crucial," says Ms Fay.

From BBC

He said he has been without his accessibility toilet, which has rails to support his movement, after SH began work on his bathroom due to mould in September.

From BBC

“I was really into Ultimate Fighter in the early days,” he said, referring to the reality competition show that debuted on Spike TV in 2005 and massively expanded UFC’s reach and accessibility to general audiences.

From Slate

Related Words

• convenience