248 English words
Common English adjectives
The most useful English adjectives for describing people, things and situations, with meanings, opposites and examples.
Words
A
- ableadjectiveA2having the skill, time or chance to do somethingWill you be able to come to the meeting tomorrow?
- aboutadjectiveA1be about to: going to happen very soonHurry up, the train is about to leave.
- adultadjectiveA2fully grown or relating to grown-up peopleShe spent most of her adult life in Chicago.
- adverseadjectiveC1harmful, negative or not helpfulThe drug has few adverse effects.
- aloneadjectiveA2without other peopleShe lives alone in a small apartment.
- AmericanadjectiveA1from or connected with the United StatesMy favorite American food is barbecue.
- apparentadjectiveB2clear and easy to noticeIt soon became apparent that the plan would fail.
- aptadjectiveC1suitable or right for the situation“Chaotic” is an apt description of the meeting.
- arbitraryadjectiveC1based on chance or personal choice rather than on a reason or systemThe cut-off date seems completely arbitrary.
- austereadjectiveC1very plain and simple, without decoration or comfortThe monks lived in small, austere rooms.
- availableadjectiveA2able to be used, bought or foundThe book is available online.
B
- badadjectiveA1not good or not pleasantWe had bad weather all week.
- beautifuladjectiveA1very attractive or pleasant to look at, hear or experienceWhat a beautiful view!
- bentadjectiveC1determined to do something, used with “on”She seems bent on proving everyone wrong.
- bestadjectiveA1better than all othersThis is the best pizza in town.
- betteradjectiveA1of a higher standard or more suitable than something elseYour new phone is better than mine.
- bigadjectiveA1large in size or amountThey live in a big house.
- blackadjectiveA1having the darkest color, like the sky at nightHe was wearing a black jacket.
- blandadjectiveB2(of food) having very little flavorThe soup was rather bland, so I added some pepper.
- blueadjectiveA1having the color of a clear skyShe has bright blue eyes.
- bornadjectiveA1having a natural ability for somethingShe’s a born leader.
- budgetadjectiveB1cheapWe stayed in a budget hotel.
C
- candidadjectiveC1honest and direct, even when the truth is not pleasantTo be candid, I don’t think the plan will work.
- cardinaladjectiveC2most important; basicThe cardinal rule of the job is never to lie to clients.
- centraladjectiveB1in or near the middle of a placeOur hotel was in central London.
- certainadjectiveA2completely sure about somethingI’m certain I locked the door.
- civiladjectiveB2connected with the people of a country, not the army or religionThey had a civil wedding at city hall.
- cladadjectiveC2wearing a particular kind of clothingThe guards were clad in black.
- clearadjectiveA2easy to understand, see or hearThe instructions were short and clear.
- closeadjectiveA1near in distance or time (said /kloʊs/)The school is close to our house.
- coldadjectiveA1having a low temperatureIt’s cold outside, so wear a jacket.
- commercialadjectiveB1connected with buying and selling things or making moneyThe film was a huge commercial success.
- commonadjectiveA2happening often or found in many placesSmith is a very common last name.
- comprehensiveadjectiveB2including everything or nearly everything that is relevant; completeThe guide gives a comprehensive overview of the city’s history.
- conscientiousadjectiveC1careful to do your work well and do what is rightShe is a conscientious student who never misses a deadline.
- conspicuousadjectiveC1very easy to see or notice, often in a way that stands outShe felt conspicuous in her bright red coat.
- constantadjectiveB2happening all the time or again and againThe baby needs constant attention.
- constrainedadjectiveC1limited or restricted by somethingWe are constrained by a very tight budget.
- contrivedadjectiveC2seeming false and planned rather than naturalThe ending of the film felt contrived.
- credibleadjectiveC1able to be believed or trustedThe witness gave a credible account of events.
- culturaladjectiveB1connected with the customs, beliefs and arts of a group of peopleMoving abroad means facing many cultural differences.
- currentadjectiveB1happening or existing nowWhat is your current address?
D
- darkadjectiveA1with little or no lightIt gets dark early in winter.
- deadadjectiveA2no longer aliveWe found a dead bird in the garden.
- deepadjectiveA2going a long way down from the top or a long way inThe lake is very deep in the middle.
- democraticadjectiveB1based on a system where people choose their government by votingThe country held its first democratic election.
- denseadjectiveB2with many things or people very close togetherWe walked through a dense forest.
- derivedadjectiveC1coming from or developed from something elseMany English words are derived from Latin.
- differentadjectiveA1not the same as another person or thingMy brother and I are very different.
- difficultadjectiveA1not easy; needing a lot of effort or skillThe math test was really difficult.
- dingyadjectiveC1dark, dirty and unpleasantThey rented a dingy room above a bar.
- discreetadjectiveC1careful not to cause embarrassment or reveal private informationPlease be discreet; nobody else knows yet.
- doggedadjectiveC2refusing to give up, even when things are difficultHer dogged determination finally paid off.
- downadjectiveA1sad or unhappyHe’s been feeling a bit down lately.
E
- earlyadjectiveA1happening near the beginning of a period of timeWe left in the early morning.
- earnestadjectiveC2very serious and sincere, sometimes too seriousHe was an earnest young man who never told jokes.
- eastadjectiveA1in or toward the eastWe live on the east side of town.
- easyadjectiveA1not difficult; needing little effortThe first question was easy.
- economicadjectiveB1connected with trade, industry and money in a countryThe country is going through an economic crisis.
- elaborateadjectiveC1having many carefully arranged parts or details; complicatedThey made elaborate plans for the wedding.
- enduringadjectiveC1lasting for a long timeThe film is an enduring classic.
- entireadjectiveB1whole or complete, with nothing left outI spent the entire weekend cleaning the house.
- environmentaladjectiveB2connected with the natural world and how people affect itAir pollution is a serious environmental problem.
- evenadjectiveA2flat and smooth, or equal in amount or levelMake sure the shelf is even before you screw it in.
- evidentadjectiveB2easy to see or understand; clear from the factsIt was evident from her face that she was disappointed.
- executiveadjectiveB2connected with managing a business or making decisionsThe board has executive power over the budget.
- expertadjectiveB1having or showing special knowledge or skillShe gave us some expert advice on investing.
- extravagantadjectiveC1spending much more money than is reasonableBuying a new car every year is extravagant.
F
- facileadjectiveC2too simple and not showing careful thoughtHe offered a facile answer to a very complex problem.
- fancyadjectiveB1expensive, stylish or with a lot of decorationThey had dinner at a fancy restaurant downtown.
- faradjectiveA1a long distance awayThey live on the far side of the river.
- fastadjectiveA1moving or happening quicklyHe’s the fastest runner on the team.
- federaladjectiveB2connected with the national government of a country made of states, rather than a single stateFederal law applies in every state.
- ferventadjectiveC1feeling or showing very strong and sincere emotion or beliefHe is a fervent supporter of animal rights.
- finaladjectiveA2coming at the end; lastThis is the final episode of the series.
- financialadjectiveB1connected with money or the management of moneyMany students have financial problems.
- fineadjectiveA1healthy, well or acceptable“How are you?” “I’m fine, thanks.”
- firmadjectiveB1not soft; staying the same shape when pressedI prefer a firm mattress.
- firstadjectiveA1coming before all others in time, order or importanceJanuary is the first month of the year.
- foreignadjectiveA2from or connected with a country that is not your ownHow many foreign languages do you speak?
- formaladjectiveB1serious and following accepted rules, suitable for official occasionsPlease use formal language in your cover letter.
- formeradjectiveB1having been a particular thing in the past, but not nowThe former president gave a speech.
- fosteradjectiveC1describing a family or child in a fostering arrangementHe grew up with a foster family in Ohio.
- freeadjectiveA1costing no moneyEntry to the museum is free on Sundays.
- frontadjectiveA1at or in the front of somethingLet’s sit in the front row.
- fulladjectiveA1holding as much or as many as possibleThe parking lot is full.
- futureadjectiveA1happening or existing laterShe met her future husband at college.
G
- gauntadjectiveC2very thin and bony, especially from illness, hunger or worryHe looked gaunt after weeks in hospital.
- generaladjectiveA2including or affecting most people or things; not detailedCan you give me a general idea of the plan?
- goodadjectiveA1of high quality, pleasant or enjoyableThat was a really good movie.
- greatadjectiveA1very good or enjoyableWe had a great time at the party.
- greenadjectiveA1having the color of grass or leavesShe was wearing a green dress.
H
- happyadjectiveA1feeling pleased, glad or enjoying lifeThe kids were happy to see their grandparents.
- hardadjectiveA1difficult to do or understandThe test was harder than I expected.
- headlongadjectiveC2done very quickly and without controlThe army made a headlong retreat.
- heavyadjectiveA2weighing a lot and hard to lift or carryThis box is too heavy for me to lift alone.
- highadjectiveA1a long way from the bottom to the top, or far above the groundThe wall is too high to climb.
- hotadjectiveA1having a high temperatureIt’s too hot to walk outside today.
- hugeadjectiveA2extremely large in size, amount or degreeThey live in a huge house on the hill.
- humanadjectiveA2relating to people rather than animals or machinesThe accident was caused by human error.
- humbleadjectiveB2not proud; not thinking you are better than othersDespite her fame, she remained humble.
I
- illustriousadjectiveC2famous and respected because of great achievementsShe had an illustrious career as a judge.
- impertinentadjectiveC2rude and not showing enough respect, especially to someone older or more importantThe boy was punished for an impertinent remark to his teacher.
- importantadjectiveA1having great value, effect or meaningIt’s important to drink enough water.
- imposedadjectiveC1forced on people by someone in authority, without their agreementWorkers resented the imposed changes to their schedule.
- imposingadjectiveC1large and impressive in appearanceThe bank was an imposing stone building.
- incidentaladjectiveC1happening as a minor part of something more importantThe money is incidental; I do this job because I love it.
- inclinedadjectiveC1wanting to do something, or likely to behave in a certain wayI’m inclined to agree with you.
- individualadjectiveB1considered separately from others in a groupEach individual student gets a laptop.
- infallibleadjectiveC2never wrong or never making mistakesDoctors are not infallible.
- interestingadjectiveA1making you want to know more or pay attentionThat was a really interesting book.
- internationaladjectiveA2involving two or more countriesShe works for an international company.
- intimateadjectiveC1very close and personal, or privateThey shared their most intimate secrets.
K
L
- languidadjectiveC2slow and relaxed, showing little energy or effortShe gave a languid wave from her deck chair.
- largeadjectiveA1big in size, number or amountThey live in a large apartment downtown.
- lastadjectiveA1coming after all othersDecember is the last month of the year.
- lateadjectiveA1arriving or happening after the expected timeSorry I’m late; the bus was slow.
- lateradjectiveA1coming after something else in timeWe can discuss it at a later date.
- leftadjectiveA1on the side of the body that is toward the west when you face northHe writes with his left hand.
- legaladjectiveB1allowed by the lawIs it legal to park here at night?
- leveladjectiveA2flat and even, with no part higher than anotherMake sure the shelf is level.
- liberaladjectiveC1accepting different opinions and behavior; supporting social change and personal freedomShe grew up in a liberal household.
- lightadjectiveA1not heavyThis laptop is very light.
- likelyadjectiveB1probably going to happen or be trueIt’s likely to rain this afternoon.
- littleadjectiveA1small in size or youngThey have a little house by the lake.
- liveadjectiveA1happening or broadcast at the same time it is seen or heard (said /laɪv/)The band played live on TV.
- loathadjectiveC2unwilling to do somethingI was loath to leave such a beautiful place.
- localadjectiveA2relating to the area near you or a particular placeWe buy vegetables from a local farm.
- loftyadjectiveC2of very high moral standard or ambition, sometimes unrealisticallyThe charity has lofty goals.
- longadjectiveA1measuring a great distance from one end to the otherShe has long dark hair.
- lowadjectiveA2not high, or close to the groundThe plane was flying very low.
- luxuriantadjectiveC2growing thickly and healthilyThe valley was covered in luxuriant vegetation.
M
- mainadjectiveA2largest or most importantThe main reason I came was to see you.
- majoradjectiveB1very large or importantTraffic is a major problem in this city.
- manifestadjectiveC2easy to see or understand, formallyHer joy was manifest to everyone.
- meanadjectiveA2unkind or cruel to other peopleIt was mean of him to laugh at her.
- medicaladjectiveB1connected with medicine, illness and the treatment of injuriesHe needs medical help right away.
- middleadjectiveA1in a central position, between two othersShe is the middle child of three.
- militaryadjectiveB1connected with soldiers or the armed forcesHe did two years of military service.
- minuteadjectiveA1extremely smallThere were minute changes in the data.
- modernadjectiveA2of the present time or the recent pastModern life is very busy for most people.
- modestadjectiveB2not talking much about your own abilities or achievementsHe’s very modest about his success.
- monetaryadjectiveC1connected with money, especially a country’s money supplyThe central bank sets monetary policy.
- morbidadjectiveC1having an unhealthy interest in death or unpleasant thingsShe has a morbid fascination with true crime stories.
N
- nationaladjectiveA2connected with a whole country rather than one part of itThe story was on the national news.
- naturaladjectiveA2existing in nature and not made by peopleThe country is rich in natural resources.
- nearadjectiveA1close in distance or timeWhere’s the nearest bus stop?
- necessaryadjectiveA2needed in order to do something or to get a resultIs it necessary to book a table?
- newadjectiveA1recently made, bought or startedI love your new jacket.
- nextadjectiveA1coming straight after this one in time or orderThe next train leaves at 9:15.
- niceadjectiveA1pleasant, enjoyable or attractiveWe had a nice time at the beach.
- nominaladjectiveC1existing in name only, not in realityThe queen is the nominal head of state.
- northadjectiveA1in or toward the northWe stayed on the north coast of the island.
- noveladjectiveB1new, different and unusualThe researchers proposed a novel approach to the problem.
O
- objectiveadjectiveB2based on facts rather than personal feelings or opinionsTry to give an objective account of what happened.
- offadjectiveA1away from work or schoolI’m taking Friday off.
- officialadjectiveB1approved by or connected with people in authorityEnglish is one of the official languages of Canada.
- okadjectiveA1acceptable, fine or not hurtAre you ok? You look pale.
- oldadjectiveA1having lived or existed for a long timeMy grandmother is very old but still active.
- ominousadjectiveC1suggesting that something bad is going to happenThere was an ominous silence after the announcement.
- onlyadjectiveA1used to say there is just one or a few of somethingShe’s the only person who knows the answer.
- openadjectiveA1not closed, so people or things can go in or outThe door was open, so I walked in.
- otheradjectiveA1different from or additional to the one already mentionedDo you have this shirt in other colors?
- overadjectiveA1finishedThe game is over, let’s go home.
- ownadjectiveA2belonging to a particular person and no one elseI finally have my own room.
P
- partialadjectiveC1not complete; only part of somethingThe project was only a partial success.
- particularadjectiveB1used to talk about one specific person or thingIs there a particular book you’re looking for?
- partisanadjectiveC2strongly supporting one political party or group, often without fair judgmentThe debate became bitterly partisan.
- pastadjectiveA2gone by or recentIt’s rained a lot in the past few days.
- pastoraladjectiveC2showing country life in a peaceful, idealized wayThe painting shows a pastoral scene of sheep and meadows.
- patientadjectiveB1able to wait calmly without getting annoyedPlease be patient, the bus will come soon.
- perpetualadjectiveC1never ending or changing; lasting foreverThe mountain peaks are covered in perpetual snow.
- personaladjectiveA2belonging to or affecting one particular person, not othersEveryone has a personal locker at the gym.
- philosophicaladjectiveB2relating to the study of the nature of life, truth and knowledgeThey had a long philosophical discussion about free will.
- physicaladjectiveB1connected with the body rather than the mindPhysical exercise helps you sleep better.
- piousadjectiveC2deeply religious and careful to follow religious practicesHer grandmother was a pious woman who prayed every day.
- politicaladjectiveB1connected with government, power and public affairsThe country is going through a political crisis.
- pooradjectiveA1having very little moneyHe grew up in a poor family.
- popularadjectiveA2liked or enjoyed by many peopleThis café is very popular with students.
- positiveadjectiveB1hopeful and confident, or thinking about the good parts of a situationTry to stay positive during the job search.
- possibleadjectiveA2able to happen, exist or be doneIs it possible to change my flight?
- precisionadjectiveB2made or done very accuratelyThe factory makes precision instruments for laboratories.
- prettyadjectiveA1attractive in a pleasant, often delicate wayWhat a pretty little garden!
- privateadjectiveA2for one person or group only, not for everyoneThis is a private beach, so we can’t swim here.
- professionaladjectiveB1connected with a job that needs special training or skillYou should get professional advice before investing.
- publicadjectiveA2for everyone to use or know about, not privateThe library is open to the public.
R
- readyadjectiveA1prepared and able to do something or be usedAre you ready to leave?
- realadjectiveA1actually existing, not imaginedThe story is based on real events.
- recentadjectiveB1having happened or started only a short time agoRecent studies show that sleep affects memory.
- redadjectiveA1having the color of blood or a ripe tomatoShe wore a red dress to the party.
- religiousadjectiveB1connected with religionThe town has many religious buildings.
- RepublicanadjectiveB2connected with the Republican PartyHe won the Republican nomination.
- restrainedadjectiveC1calm and controlled, not showing strong emotionHis reaction was surprisingly restrained.
- richadjectiveA1having a lot of money or propertyHe became rich by selling his company.
- rightadjectiveA1correct or trueThat’s the right answer.
S
- safeadjectiveA2not in danger, or not likely to cause harmIs it safe to swim here?
- sameadjectiveA1exactly the one, not a different oneWe went to the same school.
- scarceadjectiveB2not easy to find or get because there is not enoughClean water is scarce in many parts of the region.
- scrupulousadjectiveC2very careful to do everything correctly and pay attention to detailsShe keeps scrupulous records of her expenses.
- senioradjectiveB1having a higher rank or more experience in a jobShe is a senior manager at the bank.
- seriousadjectiveA2bad or dangerous enough to make you worryHe was in a serious accident.
- sexualadjectiveB2connected with the biological differences between males and femalesThe law bans sexual discrimination at work.
- shortadjectiveA1small in length, distance, or heightShe has short hair.
- significantadjectiveB2large or important enough to have an effect or be noticedThere has been a significant increase in prices.
- similaradjectiveA2almost the same but not exactlyMy bag is similar to yours.
- simpleadjectiveA2easy to understand or doThe instructions are very simple.
- singleadjectiveA2only oneHe didn’t say a single word.
- smalladjectiveA1not large in size, number, or amountThey live in a small town.
- socialadjectiveA2connected with society and the way people live togetherPoverty is a serious social problem.
- southadjectiveA1in or toward the southWe stayed on the south coast.
- southernadjectiveB1in or from the south part of a placeThey live in southern California.
- specialadjectiveA1different from usual and often better or more importantTonight is a special occasion.
- specificadjectiveB1relating to one particular thingDo you have a specific date in mind?
- staidadjectiveC2serious, old-fashioned and not adventurousThe once staid bank is trying to look modern.
- standardadjectiveB1normal or usual, not specialThis is the standard size for printer paper.
- steepadjectiveB2rising or falling sharply, so it is hard to go upThe path up the hill is very steep.
- stilladjectiveA2not movingPlease sit still for the photo.
- straightadjectiveA2not bent or curvedDraw a straight line across the page.
- strongadjectiveA1having great physical powerHe is strong enough to lift the box.
- sublimeadjectiveC2extremely beautiful or excellent, causing great admirationThe view from the summit was sublime.
- substantialadjectiveB2large in amount, size or importanceThe company made a substantial profit last year.
- successfuladjectiveA2achieving what you wanted or plannedThe meeting was very successful.
- suppliantadjectiveC2asking for something in a humble, begging wayShe raised her hands in a suppliant gesture.
- sureadjectiveA1certain that something is true or correctAre you sure you locked the door?
T
- topadjectiveA1highest, best, or most importantShe is one of the top students in her class.
- totaladjectiveB1complete; including everythingThe total cost of the trip was high.
- toughadjectiveB1difficult to do or deal withIt was a tough decision.
- traditionaladjectiveB1following customs or ways that have existed for a long timeWe ate traditional food at the festival.
- trueadjectiveA1correct and based on factsIs it true that you’re moving?
V
- vainadjectiveC1too proud of your looks, abilities or achievementsHe’s so vain he checks his reflection in every window.
- variousadjectiveB1several different kinds ofThe shirt comes in various colors.
- venerableadjectiveC2respected because of age, experience or long historyThe venerable old professor still taught every week.
- veritableadjectiveC2used to emphasize that a description is accurate, even if it sounds exaggeratedThe garden was a veritable paradise.
- veryadjectiveA1exact or particular; used for emphasisThat’s the very book I wanted.
W
- wantonadjectiveC2(of cruel or harmful acts) done deliberately and for no good reasonThe report condemned the wanton destruction of the forest.
- welladjectiveA1healthyI don’t feel well today.
- westernadjectiveB1in or from the west of a placeThey live in western Canada.
- whiteadjectiveA1having the color of snow or milkShe wore a white shirt.
- wholeadjectiveA2all of something; completeI spent the whole day cleaning.
- wideadjectiveA2measuring a large distance from one side to the otherThe river is very wide here.
- wistfuladjectiveC2a little sad because you are thinking about something you cannot have or that is in the pastShe gave a wistful smile as she looked at old photos.
- wrongadjectiveA1not correctSorry, I dialed the wrong number.