Level AAUnderstandable3.3.3

WCAG 3.3.3: Error Suggestion

If an input error is detected and suggestions are known, the suggestions are provided.

ADA Relevance: Level AA is the standard courts reference for ADA compliance. Failing this criterion creates direct legal exposure for ADA lawsuits.

Why Error Suggestion Matters

Telling users their input is wrong without suggesting the correct format forces them to guess. Suggestions reduce frustration and form abandonment.

How to Test for WCAG 3.3.3 Violations

Submit forms with various errors. Verify that error messages include suggestions for correction when the correct format is known.

How to Fix WCAG 3.3.3 Violations

Include format suggestions in error messages. Example: 'Please enter a valid email address (e.g., name@example.com)' instead of just 'Invalid email.'

Industries Most Affected by Error Suggestion Violations

These industries commonly fail WCAG 3.3.3 due to the nature of their website content and functionality:

Error Suggestion by Platform

Different platforms have different levels of built-in support for WCAG 3.3.3:

WCAG 3.3.3 FAQ

What does WCAG 3.3.3 Error Suggestion require?

WCAG 3.3.3 requires that if an input error is detected and suggestions are known, the suggestions are provided. This is a Level AA criterion under the Understandable principle, meaning it is required for ADA compliance (courts reference WCAG 2.1 AA).

How do I test for WCAG 3.3.3 violations?

Submit forms with various errors. Verify that error messages include suggestions for correction when the correct format is known.

Is WCAG 3.3.3 required for ADA compliance?

Yes. WCAG 3.3.3 is a Level AA criterion, and courts consistently reference WCAG 2.1 AA as the standard for ADA compliance. Failing to meet this criterion creates legal exposure for ADA lawsuits, which typically settle for $10,000 to $75,000+.

What happens if my website fails WCAG 3.3.3?

Failing WCAG 3.3.3 Error Suggestion means telling users their input is wrong without suggesting the correct format forces them to guess. Suggestions reduce frustration and form abandonment. This violation is detectable by automated scanning tools that ADA plaintiff attorneys use to identify lawsuit targets. ADA CodeFix can scan your site for this specific violation and provide AI-generated code fixes.

Test Your Site for WCAG 3.3.3 Violations

ADA CodeFix automatically scans for Error Suggestion violations and provides AI-generated code fixes — not overlay widgets.

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