diff --git a/include/spdk/assert.h b/include/spdk/assert.h
index 2f3d03db6..1bdc1cb73 100644
--- a/include/spdk/assert.h
+++ b/include/spdk/assert.h
@@ -47,6 +47,14 @@ extern "C" {
 #ifdef static_assert
 #define SPDK_STATIC_ASSERT(cond, msg) static_assert(cond, msg)
 #else
+/**
+ * Compatibility wrapper for static_assert.
+ *
+ * This won't actually enforce the condition when compiled with an environment that doesn't support
+ * C11 static_assert; it is only intended to allow end users with old compilers to build the package.
+ *
+ * Developers should use a recent compiler that provides static_assert.
+ */
 #define SPDK_STATIC_ASSERT(cond, msg)
 #endif