List of Abbreviations
A list of abbreviations can help readers navigate a document with many shortened forms. The Australian Government Style Manual recommends using such a list when useful, while keeping it distinct from the glossary and explaining unfamiliar forms for accessibility.
Use a list of abbreviations when readers would benefit from a compact alphabetical lookup; still define unfamiliar shortened forms at first use when the governing style requires it.
Key details
Important caveats
Accessibility Boundary
A back-matter list does not automatically replace first-use explanation for unfamiliar acronyms or initialisms; follow the applicable accessibility and house-style rules.
Further guidance
Organization
Arrange entries alphabetically and give each shortened form its full expression or clear explanation.
Practical Application
Create an alphabetical list of abbreviations when a document contains enough unfamiliar shortened forms that a lookup aid materially helps readers. Still define unfamiliar terms at first use when the governing style or accessibility rule requires it.
Reader Check
Would a reader benefit from a dedicated lookup list, and do the entries match the exact abbreviations used in the document?
When Useful
Add the list when a report contains enough shortened forms that a lookup aid materially helps the reader; do not create one merely because a few abbreviations appear.
Worked Example
“API — application programming interface” and “SLA — service-level agreement” can appear alphabetically in the list while each term is still expanded at first substantive use if required.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Reports — Australian Government Style Manual (opens in a new tab)Australian Government Style Manual · Report front matter, lists of shortened forms, glossary placement and alphabetical organization
- Acronyms and initialisms — Australian Government Style Manual (opens in a new tab)Australian Government Style Manual · Accessibility and glossary guidance for acronyms and initialisms