The HTML <u> tag
The HTML <u> element marks text with an unarticulated, non-textual annotation — such as a misspelled word or a proper name in certain scripts — shown underlined. Do not use it for general underlining, which is easily mistaken for a link.
Overview
The <u> element represents a span with an unarticulated, non-textual annotation conveyed by underlining. Its legitimate uses are narrow: marking a misspelled word (the way a spell-checker underlines it), or indicating a proper noun in some East Asian text.
It is not for emphasis or styling. The big caution is that underlined text reads as a link to most users, so a decorative <u> can be genuinely confusing.
For meaning, use <em> or <strong>; for a purely visual underline, use the CSS text-decoration: underline — and even then, consider whether the underline will be mistaken for a link.
Syntax
<p>A <u>mispelled</u> word.</p>Example
<p>The word <u style="text-decoration:underline wavy red;">recieve</u> is misspelled.</p>Best practices
- Reserve
<u>for non-textual annotations like a spelling error or a proper noun in CJK text. - Avoid it for decoration — underlined text is easily mistaken for a link.
- For emphasis or importance, use <em> or <strong>.
- For a purely visual underline, use the CSS text-decoration: underline.
Frequently asked questions
What is the u element for?
Should I use u to underline text?
<u> for its specific annotation meaning.