Inappropriate Description List Elements Check

Description

The “Inappropriate Description List Elements Check” evaluates whether there is any <dt> or <dd> element placed outside a description list.

Example outcome

I located 1 <dd> or <dt> element that is not contained within a list.

Impact

• Visual Impairments: Screen readers will not announce <dt> or <dd> correctly outside a list, breaking meaning.
• Cognitive Disabilities: Users may lose the ability to understand the logical connection between terms and their meanings.
• Learning Disabilities: Lack of structure can increase cognitive load and cause misinterpretation.

Fixes

To address inappropriate description list elements:

1. Locate the inappropriate description list element.
2. Wrap it in a <dl> element.
3. Ensure that a <dt> and a <dd> element are always paired and in this order.

Resources

• WCAG 2.2: Understanding Success Criteria 3.1.3
• WCAG 2.2 Techniques: Technique H40: Using description lists
• WebAIM: Semantic Structure: Regions, Headings, and Lists