Structure · WCAG 2.0 Level A
<li> elements must be contained in a <ul> or <ol>
Ensure <li> elements are used semantically.
What it means
The listitem rule flags elements that fail this check. It maps to WCAG success criterion 1.3.1.
Who it affects
Screen reader users who navigate by structure, and people who change text spacing or orientation.
How to fix it
Put <li> elements inside a <ul>, <ol> or <menu>.
<ol><li>Step one</li></ol>Check it on your site
Run a free scan. If this rule fails, the results list the affected elements. Deque, which maintains axe-core, also documents this rule in detail: Deque University: listitem.
Quick answers
What does the axe rule "listitem" check?
Ensure <li> elements are used semantically.
How do I fix "<li> elements must be contained in a <ul> or <ol>"?
Put <li> elements inside a <ul>, <ol> or <menu>.
Who is affected by listitem failures?
Screen reader users who navigate by structure, and people who change text spacing or orientation.
Automated accessibility scan. Results are informational and may not identify every accessibility issue. This service is not legal advice, a compliance certification, or a substitute for comprehensive manual accessibility testing.