diff --git a/java/src/org/openqa/selenium/WebElement.java b/java/src/org/openqa/selenium/WebElement.java
index 8f9029ec2fd97..05b661d16179b 100644
--- a/java/src/org/openqa/selenium/WebElement.java
+++ b/java/src/org/openqa/selenium/WebElement.java
@@ -165,7 +165,10 @@ public interface WebElement extends SearchContext, TakesScreenshot {
    *
    * @param name The name of the attribute.
    * @return The attribute/property's current value or null if the value is not set.
+   * @deprecated This method is deprecated. Use {@link #getDomProperty(String)} or {@link
+   *     #getDomAttribute(String)} for more precise attribute retrieval.
    */
+  @Deprecated
   @Nullable String getAttribute(String name);
 
   /**