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Meaning & use

accessible

adjective·Everyday

Last updated

UK/əkˈsesəbl/
US/əkˈsesəbəl/

Meanings

  1. adjectivecomparable

    Easy to reach, enter, obtain, or use because there are no major physical, practical, or digital barriers.

    Grammar: Can be used before nouns or after linking verbs, and forms comparatives: more accessible.

    Patterns

    • accessible to someone
    • easily accessible
    • accessible from somewhere

    The clinic is accessible by bus and train.

    We moved the files to a format that is more accessible to the team.

  2. adjectivecomparable

    Easy to understand, enjoy, or approach, especially for non-experts or people meeting someone for the first time.

    Grammar: Often used for writing, art, prices, or people; compare accessible style with approachable manner.

    Patterns

    • accessible to beginners
    • accessible explanation
    • accessible style

    The guide gives an accessible explanation of basic grammar.

    The professor is known for an accessible style that welcomes questions.

  3. adjectivebefore a nounspecialist

    Designed or adjusted so people with disabilities can enter, move around, understand, or use a place, service, or product.

    Grammar: Frequently appears before nouns: accessible entrance, accessible format.

    Patterns

    • wheelchair accessible
    • accessible entrance
    • accessible format

    The theater added a wheelchair accessible entrance.

    Please send an accessible format for screen readers.

Word forms

comparativemore accessible
superlativemost accessible

Common combinations

accessible to
The manual should be accessible to first-time users.
easily accessible
Keep emergency numbers easily accessible near the phone.
wheelchair accessible
The new station has wheelchair accessible platforms.
accessible design
Accessible design benefits older adults as well as disabled users.
accessible online
The archive is accessible online to members.

Synonyms and how they differ

reachable
Reachable emphasizes that something can be physically reached; accessible is broader and can include understanding or disability access.
available
Available means present or obtainable; accessible stresses that barriers are removed so people can use it.
approachable
Approachable fits people who are easy to talk to; accessible can describe people, language, or places.
usable
Usable means practical to operate; accessible often adds the idea of being usable by a wide range of people.

Opposites

inaccessibleremoteexclusive

Word family

access noun
The right, opportunity, or means of entry or use.
access verb
To retrieve, enter, or make use of something.
accessibility noun
The quality of being easy to reach, use, or understand.
accessibly adverb
In an accessible way; less frequent than accessible.

Commonly confused: accessible or acceptable? accessible or accessory?

accessible vs acceptable

Accessible means easy to reach, use, or understand; acceptable means satisfactory or allowed enough.

accessible vs accessory

Accessory means an extra item or a person involved in a crime; accessible means reachable or usable.

Practice

Which preposition correctly completes the sentence? The lecture is accessible ___ beginners.

Make it your own

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