diff --git a/src/material-experimental/mdc-list/action-list.ts b/src/material-experimental/mdc-list/action-list.ts
index 8683cd4bb786..1af6fd86e7f2 100644
--- a/src/material-experimental/mdc-list/action-list.ts
+++ b/src/material-experimental/mdc-list/action-list.ts
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ import {MatListBase} from './list-base';
   template: '<ng-content></ng-content>',
   host: {
     'class': 'mat-mdc-action-list mat-mdc-list-base mdc-list',
+    'role': 'group',
   },
   styleUrls: ['list.css'],
   encapsulation: ViewEncapsulation.None,
diff --git a/src/material-experimental/mdc-list/nav-list.ts b/src/material-experimental/mdc-list/nav-list.ts
index 3e357469285f..cbbfca60bda6 100644
--- a/src/material-experimental/mdc-list/nav-list.ts
+++ b/src/material-experimental/mdc-list/nav-list.ts
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ import {MatListBase} from './list-base';
   template: '<ng-content></ng-content>',
   host: {
     'class': 'mat-mdc-nav-list mat-mdc-list-base mdc-list',
+    'role': 'navigation',
   },
   styleUrls: ['list.css'],
   encapsulation: ViewEncapsulation.None,