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Adjectives Describing Personality (Personality Adjectives List)

Everyone is different. And so are their personalities. When writing about them, it is important to accurately and most appropriately describe their nature and personalities. Thankfully, we have ‘Personality Adjectives’ in English to help us out.

Known as describing words, Personality Adjectives help us describe/ understand a person much better. You use them to describe whether a person is good or bad, fast or slow, happy or sad, easygoing or challenging to handle, and much more.

They make writing more exciting and help us paint a perfect picture of a person using fewer but impactful words.

Personality adjectives infographic
Personality adjectives infographic

What Are Personality Adjectives?

Personality Adjectives are a specific set of words used to describe the personalities of people around us – their nature, behavior, and other personality traits that set them apart from others. They are specific classes of adjectives that help us expand on the character of a person.

For example:

  • This is my friend.
  • This is my clever, witty and cheerful friend.

Here the words clever, witty, and cheerful are used to describe a friend’s personality. They help the reader better understand the traits or qualities of a person.

Let’s look at another example:

  • She is the most intelligent student of her class.

Here the word ‘most intelligent’ is an adjective that is being used to describe the personality of a student. It suggests that no student in her class is as intelligent as her.

Personality adjectives can be used to create both a positive and negative image of a person. They are strong, powerful words that help readers form an option about a person and thus should be chosen wisely.  

How do they differ from regular adjectives?

Words used to describe a person, place, or thing are called Adjectives.

Adjectives are of many types and are used to express an attribute of something. They may or may not describe the personality of the object or person in question.

For example:

  • He has a big square box.
  • She wore a pretty dress.
  • Ben has few friends.

Here, big, pretty, and few are all adjectives but they describe the object’s personality.

Now take a look at these examples:

  • He is an arrogant man.
  • Elina is a wonder kid.
  • Mark is a hard-working employee.

Here arrogant, wonder and hard working are also adjectives, but since they are used to describe a person’s personality, they are known as Personality Adjectives.

Positive personality adjectives

Adjectives used to describe a person’s positive character or trait are known as Positive Personality Adjectives. You can use them to portray someone in a positive light and make the person feel extra special.

They come in handy when you want to describe people you love, admire, or want to impress. They also help you describe yourself and/or make a meaningful impact in front of others.

For example:

  • She is a brave girl.
  • Tom is very intelligent.
  • He is an honest employee.
  • I am a sincere student.

Here, brave, intelligent, honest, and sincere are all used to demonstrate the positive characteristics of people and are hence known as Positive Personality Adjectives.

Warm, friendly, polite, charming, hard-working, generous, loving, and funny are all examples of Positive adjectives.

Other Positive Personality Adjectives include:

  • Active
  • Extrovert
  • Modest
  • Sensitive
  • Adaptable
  • Exuberant
  • Motivated
  • Social
  • Adventurous
  • Fearless
  • Nice
  • Shy
  • Affectionate
  • Faithful
  • Neat
  • Silly
  • Ambitious
  • Frank
  • Non-judgmental
  • Smart
  • Brave
  • Funny
  • Optimistic
  • Straight-Forward
  • Bright
  • Forceful
  • Organized
  • Sympathetic
  • Beautiful
  • Friendly
  • Observant
  • Thoughtful
  • Broad-minded
  • Good
  • Patient
  • Tidy
  • Calm
  • Gentle
  • Passionate
  • Talkative
  • Careful
  • Giving
  • Persistent
  • Trustworthy
  • Cheerful
  • Generous
  • Polite
  • Tough
  • Courageous
  • Gregarious
  • Practical
  • Understanding
  • Compassionate
  • Helpful
  • Placid
  • Upbeat
  • Communicative
  • Hardworking
  • Popular
  • Versatile
  • Considerate
  • Humorous
  • Powerful
  • Wise
  • Courteous
  • Honest
  • Pro-active
  • Warmhearted
  • Creative
  • Happy
  • Quiet
  • Wild
  • Diligent
  • Hilarious
  • Quick-witted
  • Wise
  • Diplomatic
  • Intuitive
  • Rational
  • Witty
  • Determined
  • Intelligent
  • Reserved
  • Dynamic
  • Independent
  • Reliable
  • Empathetic
  • Joyful
  • Romantic
  • Emotional
  • Kind
  • Reasonable
  • Easy-going
  • Loving
  • Rational
  • Energetic
  • Lucky
  • Resourceful
  • Efficient
  • Loyal
  • Sincere
  • Enthusiastic
  • Mature
  • Sensible

To learn more about Positive Personality Adjectives, their meaning, and use in sentences, check out our table below.  

Negative personality adjectives

Words that are used to describe the negative personality of a person are called Negative Personality Adjectives. They should be used cautiously as they can make a person look bad.

  • Ben is very arrogant.
  • She is impolite and grumpy.
  • Jenny is a selfish girl. She never helps anyone.

Here, arrogant, impolite, grumpy, and selfish are all examples of Negative Personality Adjectives as they describe the negative traits of people.

Other Negative Personality Adjectives include:

  • Aggressive
  • Dominating
  • Humorless
  • Loud
  • Arrogant
  • Dense
  • Hostile
  • Mean
  • Apathetic
  • Devious
  • Hypocritical
  • Manipulative
  • Anxious
  • Disloyal
  • Impatient
  • Moody
  • Argumentative
  • Disrespectful
  • Impractical
  • Narrow-minded
  • Bossy
  • Disorganized
  • Humorless
  • Nasty
  • Boring
  • Disruptive
  • Hostile
  • Nosy
  • Boastful
  • Demanding
  • Hypocritical
  • Obsessive
  • Careless
  • Egotistic
  • Impatient
  • Overcritical
  • Callous
  • Evasive
  • Indiscreet
  • Overemotional
  • Childish
  • Evil
  • Inconsiderate
  • Paranoid
  • Clingy
  • Fanatic
  • Ignorant
  • Possessive
  • Cruel
  • Foolish
  • Irrational
  • Pessimistic
  • Coward
  • Flaky
  • Irresponsible
  • Petty
  • Cocky
  • Forgetful
  • Impulsive
  • Prejudiced
  • Controlling
  • Frivolous
  • Intolerant
  • Pretentious
  • Cynical
  • Greedy
  • Introvert
  • Resentful
  • Deceitful
  • Grumpy
  • Jealous
  • Reckless
  • Defensive
  • Gossipy
  • Judgmental
  • Rude
  • Dishonest
  • Gullible
  • Lazy
  • Selfish

Check out our table below for meanings of these Negative Personality Adjectives and learn how to use them effectively in sentences.

Neutral personality adjectives

While most personality adjectives are either positive or negative, some are neutral – neither negative nor positive. Their meaning changes depending on how they are being used in the sentence. They are great when describing people you don’t know well enough or don’t want to offend.

For example:

  • He is modern and straightforward.

Here, both modern and straightforward are neutral personality adjectives that can describe a person without being too judgmental.

Other neutral personality adjectives include:

  • Anxious
  • Enigmatic
  • Modern
  • Predictable
  • Soft
  • Ambitious
  • Exuberant
  • Mischievous
  • Political
  • Straightforward
  • Busy
  • Frank
  • Modest
  • Private
  • Strict
  • Breezy
  • Frugal
  • Moralistic
  • Relaxed
  • Tough
  • Casual
  • Folksy
  • Noncompetitive
  • Reflective
  • Timid
  • Chatty
  • Forceful
  • Neutral
  • Reserved
  • Uncompromising
  • Childlike
  • Impartial
  • Noncommittal
  • Rebellious
  • Undemanding
  • Complex
  • Intense
  • Ordinary
  • Serious
  • Unassuming
  • Competitive
  • Impressionable
  • Outspoken
  • Sensitive
  • Unyielding
  • Conservative
  • Inhibited
  • Opportunistic
  • Sarcastic
  • Quiet
  • Decisive
  • Introverted
  • Perfectionist
  • Shy
  • Extravagant
  • Irreverent
  • Philosophical
  • Silly
  • Emotional
  • Loud
  • Persistent
  • Steadfast

When to use personality adjectives

Personality adjectives have multiple uses in English and our everyday lives. They improve our vocabulary and help us understand human behavior much better.

Use personality adjectives to:

  • Clearly understand or describe a personality trait

Personality adjectives come in handy when describing somebody’s nature, characteristics, or traits. Use them to describe a person’s behavior and how he/she is different from others.

They are used to praise someone or to explain why you don’t like them.

  • Improve your own personality

Personality adjectives help understand personality traits and whether a particular kind of behavior is good or bad. They help inculcate positive traits right from early childhood and help us carve a good path in life.

  • Amplify your communication skills

You also use them to describe yourself in resumes, applications, and during interviews. They help you leave a positive impact on others as well as increase your self-esteem.

So, keep a list of common adjectives handy all the time. It will help you improve your vocabulary, describe yourself and others easily, and make an impactful presence in front of your audience.

Words to Describe Someone

As mentioned above, having a strong vocabulary is extremely important in English. It improves communication and boosts self-confidence. But just knowing different words doesn’t make any sense if you don’t know their meaning or how to use them appropriately at different places while describing someone (their personality) or communicating with others.

For your ease, we have compiled a list of the top 70 personality adjectives you can use to create a positive or negative image of a person. Some of the most commonly used personality adjectives include:

  • Beautiful
  • Diligent
  • Organized
  • Shy
  • Hardworking
  • Tough
  • Proactive
  • Dynamic
  • Boring
  • Diplomatic
  • Calm
  • Adventurous
  • Passionate
  • Outspoken
  • Witty
  • Complex
  • Mean
  • Messy
  • Loyal
  • Discrete
  • Humorous
  • Greedy
  • Untidy
  • Frank
  • Timid
  • Energetic
  • Polite
  • Childish
  • Manipulative
  • Straightforward
  • Fearless
  • Bossy
  • Enthusiastic
  • Talkative
  • Reserved
  • Fanatic
  • Generous
  • Practical
  • Emotional
  • Private
  • Stubborn
  • Dishonest
  • Disorganized
  • Selfish
  • Independent
  • Joyful
  • Dominating
  • Reliable
  • Wise
  • Grumpy
  • Sincere
  • Resentful
  • Modest
  • Moody
  • Mischievous
  • Versatile
  • Bad-tempered
  • Humble
  • Efficient
  • Easygoing
  • Rude
  • Naughty
  • Intelligent
  • Obsessive
  • Sensible
  • Determined
  • Loud
  • Sooty
  • Partial
  • Impulsive

Examples of each word

Let’s see what these words mean, what their synonyms are, and how you can correctly use them in sentences through the following examples:

AdjectiveTypeMeaningExampleSynonym
BeautifulPositive Personality AdjectiveGood lookingAnnie is the most beautiful girl in the class.Pretty, Attractive
HardworkingPositive Personality AdjectiveOne who works very hard.My dad is a very hardworking man.Dedicated, Diligent
BoringNegative Personality AdjectiveNot interesting or excitingHe is such a boring man.Dry, Dull, Uninteresting
PassionatePositive Personality AdjectiveHaving strong will or feelings for somethingPeter is a passionate learner.Zealous, Ardent, Intense
MeanNegative Personality AdjectiveNot generous/ willing to give or share thingsMy roommate is very mean with her money.Unkind, Cruel
HumorousPositive Personality AdjectiveVery funnyHe is well known in the community for his humorous personality.Amusing, Entertaining, Witty
ManipulativeNegative Personality AdjectiveTending to influence or control someoneHe is smart, savvy, and intelligent, but also very manipulative.Controlling, Dominating, Authoritative
EnthusiasticPositive Personality AdjectiveVery interested in something or excited by itMark is an enthusiastic golf player.Keen, Eager, Passionate
GenerousPositive Personality AdjectiveKind, HelpfulHe is a very generous man.Kind-hearted
TimidNegative Personality AdjectiveWithout much confidenceKiaan is a timid child.Shy, Fainthearted
StubbornNegative Personality AdjectiveVery difficult to changeRinne is so stubborn that she never admits that she is wrong.Inflexible, Unbending, Intractable
SelfishNegative Personality AdjectiveMotivated by self-interestHe is too selfish to share his things with others.Mean, Self-centred
DominatingNegative Personality AdjectiveControllingMy grandfather has a dominating personality.Controlling, Dictating, Commanding
GrumpyNegative Personality AdjectiveIrritableHe is a grumpy child.Cranky, Unhappy, Ill-tempered
ModestPositive Personality AdjectiveNot extreme or excessiveHe has been a modest man all his life.Frugal, Ordinary, Limited
VersatilePositive Personality AdjectiveHaving many skillsSam is a versatile athlete.Multi-faceted, Resourceful
EfficientPositive Personality AdjectiveProficient in handling somethingI am very efficient with my money.Effective, Structured, Systematic
NaughtyNeutral Personality AdjectiveMischievousHe has always been a naughty child.Disobedient, wicked
SensiblePositive Personality AdjectiveReasonable and PracticalShe is a sensible person and deals with problems wisely.Rational, Stable, Balanced
SootyNegative Personality AdjectiveSomeone who thinks he/she has better taste or standard than others.Myra and I don’t get along. She is too snooty to talk to.Arrogant, Egoistic, Proud
DiligentPositive Personality AdjectiveSomeone who works very hardLeo is very diligent in his work.Careful, Cautious
ToughNeutral personality adjectiveStrongHe always acts like a tough guy.Powerful, Strong, Hard
DiplomaticPositive Personality AdjectiveActing in a way that does not cause offenceHe is very diplomatic in his dealings.Tactful, Subtle, Prudent
OutspokenNeutral personality adjectiveHonest, Straight-forwardHe is an independent and outspoken critic of politics.Unreserved, Upfront, Candid
MessyNegative Personality AdjectiveUntidy, DisorganizedI don’t like Maria. She is a messy girl.Shabby, Untidy, Grubby
GreedyNegative Personality AdjectiveHaving an excessive desire for somethingHe is an arrogant and greedy businessman.Insatiable, Hungry, Selfish
EnergeticPositive Personality AdjectiveFull of energyChildren are energetic workers.Active, Strong, Determined
StraightforwardPositive Personality AdjectiveDirectShe is blunt and straightforwardHonest, Open, Genuine
TalkativePositive Personality AdjectiveOne who talks too muchNipsy is the most talkative girl in the class.Chatty
PracticalPositive Personality AdjectiveRealisticSam always takes a practical approach to solve problems.Efficient, Functional
DishonestNegative Personality AdjectiveCorruptHe is extremely dishonest in his dealings.Deceitful, Crooked
IndependentPositive Personality AdjectiveFreeShe is an independent girl who loves doing everything on her own.Self-sufficient
ReliablePositive Personality AdjectiveTrustworthyPeter is not only efficient, but a reliable friend too.Dependable, Honest, Responsible  
SincerePositive Personality AdjectiveRealHe is sincere in his views.Genuine, Honest, True
MoodyNegative Personality AdjectiveSomeone with unpredictable moodRiya is moody and arrogant.Sulky, Unpredictable
Bad-temperedNegative Personality AdjectiveGetting angry or annoyed easilyHe gets bad tempered very easily.Cranky, Ill-tempered, Angry
EasygoingPositive Personality AdjectiveRelaxed/ CasualMy boss is very easy-going.Comfortable
IntelligentPositive Personality AdjectiveWiseMy mother is an intelligent woman.Intellectual, Brainy, Clever, Smart
DeterminedPositive Personality AdjectiveShowing determinationThe lawyer is determined to win the case.Single minded, Resolved, Hell bent
PartialNeutral Personality AdjectiveLiking something/ someone too muchShe is partial toward her studentsBiased, Prejudiced
OrganizedPositive Personality AdjectiveSortedShe is one of the most organized people in our office.Systematic, Competent, Able
ProactivePositive Personality AdjectiveMotivatedAs a manager, he is very proactive in all his proceedings.Forward looking, Driven, Energetic
CalmPositive Personality AdjectiveFree from agitation or excitementShe is a calm and diplomatic woman.Peaceful, Quiet, Serene
WittyPositive Personality AdjectiveFunnyNoah is playful, charming, and witty.Humorous, amusing
LoyalPositive Personality AdjectiveFaithfulPeter is a loyal friend.True, Devoted
UntidyNegative Personality AdjectiveMessyHis untidy appearance always weighs against him.Disorganized, Disordered
PolitePositive Personality AdjectiveSoft spokenShe is a polite, young woman.Respectful, Well-mannered, Well behaved
FearlessPositive Personality AdjectiveWithout fearHe is a bold and fearless climber.Bold, Brave
ReservedPositive Personality AdjectiveQuiteShe is very quiet and reserved.Private, Restrained
EmotionalNeutral
Personality Adjective
SentimentalMy father is an emotional person.Tender, Touchy, Passionate, Enthusiastic
PrivateNeutral Personality AdjectiveInwardlyMita is an extremely private person.Discreet, Aloof, Secretive
ChildishNeutral Personality AdjectiveChild-likeI like her childish innocence.Frivolous, Immature
ImpulsiveNegative Personality AdjectiveInstinctiveHe is too impulsive to be a leader.Quick, Unpredictable
ShyNeutral Personality AdjectiveNervous and quiteShe is a shy and quiet girl.Timid, Reserved

So, there you go. Here’s a list of some of the most commonly used adjectives to describe a personality, trait or fictional character. Keep them handy and use them to describe yourself and people around you with absolute ease and great precision.

Adjectives describing personality (images)

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FAQs

What are some positive adjectives?

Beautiful, polite, emotional, loyal.

What are some negative adjectives?

Mean, shy, impulsive, childish, private.

How would you describe a modest person?

You could say that they are sincere. A few personality adjective’s match these character traits. It’s up to you to choose which feels appropriate.

Why should we use personality adjectives?

They are helpful to describe other people’s feelings, qualities, emotions, and more. These descriptive adjectives help us be more specific about what we want to communicate.

Sources

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About the author

Dalia Y.: Dalia is an English Major and linguistics expert with an additional degree in Psychology. Dalia has featured articles on Forbes, Inc, Fast Company, Grammarly, and many more. She covers English, ESL, and all things grammar on GrammarBrain.

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