A gives you one of the widest selections of adjectives in English. Familiar words such as active, angry, amazing, attractive, and aware appear in everyday conversation, while words such as astute, austere, affable, and ambiguous help you express more precise ideas.
You can use A adjectives to describe personality, appearance, feelings, size, condition, places, ideas, and experiences. Start with the quick list for short meanings, then use the examples and comparisons to see how the words work in context.
Adjectives That Start With A: Quick List
| Adjective | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Abandoned | Left empty, unwanted, or without support |
| Able | Having the skill or ability to do something |
| Abnormal | Different from what is usual or expected |
| Abrasive | Rough in texture or harsh in manner |
| Abrupt | Sudden or unexpectedly brief |
| Absent | Not present |
| Absent-minded | Forgetful or inattentive because one’s thoughts are elsewhere |
| Absolute | Complete or total |
| Absorbent | Able to soak up liquid |
| Abstract | Existing as an idea rather than a physical thing |
| Absurd | Completely unreasonable or ridiculous |
| Abundant | Present in large amounts |
| Academic | Relating to education or study |
| Acceptable | Good enough or suitable |
| Accessible | Easy to reach, enter, use, or understand |
| Accidental | Happening by chance rather than intentionally |
| Accurate | Correct and precise |
| Acerbic | Sharp or harsh in tone |
| Acidic | Having the properties of an acid |
| Acoustic | Relating to sound or hearing |
| Active | Busy, energetic, or involved in action |
| Actual | Real or existing in fact |
| Adaptable | Able to adjust to changing conditions |
| Adaptive | Able or designed to adjust to conditions |
| Adequate | Enough for a particular purpose |
| Adjacent | Next to or very close to something |
| Admirable | Deserving respect or approval |
| Adorable | Very lovable or charming |
| Adventurous | Willing to try new or exciting experiences |
| Adverse | Harmful or unfavorable |
| Aesthetic | Relating to beauty or artistic appearance |
| Affable | Friendly and easy to talk to |
| Affectionate | Showing love or fondness |
| Afraid | Feeling fear |
| Agricultural | Relating to farming or cultivation of land |
| Aggressive | Forceful, hostile, or ready to attack |
| Agile | Able to move quickly and easily |
| Agitated | Nervous, upset, or restless |
| Agreeable | Pleasant or acceptable |
| Aimless | Without a clear purpose or direction |
| Airborne | Carried or traveling through the air |
| Alarmed | Suddenly worried or frightened |
| Alert | Watchful and quick to notice things |
| Alive | Living rather than dead; lively |
| Alleged | Claimed to be true but not proven |
| Aloof | Distant or not very friendly |
| Amazing | Causing great surprise or admiration |
| Ambiguous | Having more than one possible meaning |
| Ambitious | Strongly determined to achieve success |
| Amiable | Friendly and pleasant |
| Amicable | Friendly and peaceful, especially between people or groups |
| Amorphous | Lacking a clear shape or structure |
| Ample | More than enough |
| Ancient | Very old |
| Angry | Feeling or showing strong displeasure |
| Angular | Having noticeable angles or sharp lines |
| Animated | Lively and full of energy |
| Annual | Happening once every year |
| Anonymous | Having an unknown or undisclosed identity |
| Antique | Old and often valuable because of age |
| Anxious | Worried, nervous, or uneasy |
| Apathetic | Showing little interest or concern |
| Appealing | Attractive or interesting |
| Appetizing | Looking or smelling good enough to eat |
| Appreciative | Showing gratitude or recognition |
| Apprehensive | Worried about something that may happen |
| Approachable | Friendly or easy to talk to |
| Aquatic | Relating to or living in water |
| Arbitrary | Based on choice rather than a clear reason or system |
| Archaic | Belonging to an earlier period and no longer in ordinary use |
| Archetypal | Extremely typical or representative of a particular kind |
| Arctic | Relating to the Arctic or extremely cold |
| Arid | Extremely dry |
| Arrogant | Having an exaggerated sense of importance |
| Articulate | Able to express ideas clearly |
| Artificial | Made by people rather than occurring naturally |
| Artistic | Showing skill, creativity, or interest in art |
| Ashamed | Feeling guilt or embarrassment |
| Ashen | Very pale or grayish |
| Aspiring | Hoping and working to achieve something |
| Assertive | Confident in expressing needs or opinions |
| Assorted | Consisting of different types |
| Astonishing | Very surprising or impressive |
| Astute | Quick to understand situations and make good judgments |
| Athletic | Physically fit or skilled in sports |
| Attentive | Paying careful attention |
| Attractive | Pleasing or appealing |
| Auspicious | Suggesting future success or good fortune |
| Austere | Plain, severe, or without unnecessary comfort |
| Authentic | Genuine and not fake |
| Automatic | Operating with little or no direct human control |
| Autonomous | Independent or self-governing |
| Available | Ready for use or able to be obtained |
| Average | Typical or ordinary in amount or quality |
| Aware | Knowing or noticing something |
| Awestruck | Filled with wonder or amazement |
| Awful | Extremely bad or unpleasant |
| Awkward | Uncomfortable, clumsy, or difficult to handle |
| Awry | Wrong, out of position, or not going as planned |
| Axiomatic | Generally accepted as obviously true |
Common A Adjectives in Everyday English
Some A adjectives appear frequently because they work in many different situations.
Able
Able means having the skill, knowledge, opportunity, or strength needed to do something.
Maya was able to finish the assignment before dinner.
Accurate
Accurate means correct and free from significant errors.
The map gave us an accurate picture of the trail.
Active
Active can describe someone who is physically busy or energetic.
Ethan leads an active lifestyle.
It can also describe something currently operating or in use.
The account is still active.
Actual
Actual means real or existing in fact rather than imagined, expected, or reported.
The actual cost was lower than we expected.
Adequate
Adequate means enough for a particular need or purpose.
We had adequate food and water for the trip.
It usually means sufficient rather than especially good.
Available
Available describes something that can be obtained, used, or reached.
Tickets are still available for Friday evening.
Average
Average can describe something typical or ordinary.
The room is larger than the average hotel room.
It also has a specific mathematical meaning.
Aware
Aware means knowing that something exists or understanding a situation.
Everyone was aware of the change in schedule.
A Adjectives to Describe a Person
A offers many useful adjectives for personality, attitude, behavior, and ability.
Affable
An affable person is friendly, pleasant, and easy to talk to.
Our new neighbor is affable and quickly learned everyone’s name.
Affectionate
Affectionate describes someone who openly shows love or fondness.
The affectionate child hugged her grandmother before leaving.
Aloof
An aloof person seems distant, reserved, or uninterested in becoming friendly.
Marcus seemed aloof at first, but he became more relaxed later.
Ambitious
An ambitious person has a strong desire to achieve something.
Nina is ambitious and hopes to lead her own research team one day.
Ambition is not automatically positive or negative. It depends on the person’s goals and behavior.
Apathetic
An apathetic person shows little interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
Several students seemed apathetic about the proposed change.
Approachable
An approachable person seems friendly and easy to speak to.
The new manager is approachable and welcomes questions.
Arrogant
Arrogant describes someone who behaves as though they are more important or capable than others.
His arrogant attitude made teamwork difficult.
Articulate
An articulate person can express ideas clearly and effectively.
Priya is articulate and explains complicated ideas in simple language.
Astute
An astute person notices important details and makes intelligent judgments.
The astute investor recognized the risk immediately.
Attentive
Attentive describes someone who listens, watches, or cares carefully.
The attentive nurse noticed that the patient was uncomfortable.
A Adjectives for Appearance, Shape, and Physical Condition
Angular
Angular describes something with noticeable angles, sharp lines, or a lean, bony appearance.
The building has an angular modern design.
Ashen
Ashen describes a very pale or grayish appearance, especially in someone’s face.
His face turned ashen when he heard the news.
Athletic
Athletic can describe a person with a fit, strong build or someone skilled in sports.
The jacket has a narrow, athletic fit.
Attractive
Attractive means pleasing or appealing, especially in appearance.
The room has a simple but attractive design.
It can also describe an idea or offer that seems appealing.
The flexible schedule made the position more attractive.
Absorbent
Absorbent describes a material that easily takes in liquid.
Use an absorbent cloth to wipe up the spill.
Abrasive
Abrasive can describe a surface or substance that is rough enough to wear something away.
The abrasive surface scratched the metal.
The same word can describe a harsh personality or manner.
His abrasive tone upset several people in the meeting.
Antique
Antique describes an old object that may have value because of its age, craftsmanship, or rarity.
The room contains several antique chairs.
Artificial
Artificial describes something made or produced by people rather than occurring naturally.
The restaurant uses artificial lighting in the windowless dining room.
A Adjectives for Feelings and Reactions
Afraid
Afraid means feeling fear or worry.
The child was afraid of the loud thunder.
Agitated
Agitated describes someone who is visibly worried, upset, or restless.
Daniel became agitated when the train was delayed again.
Angry
Angry describes strong displeasure or annoyance.
She was angry about the unfair decision.
Ashamed
Ashamed means feeling embarrassed or guilty because of something you have done or experienced.
He was ashamed of the way he had spoken to his friend.
Awestruck
Awestruck describes a feeling of deep wonder or amazement.
The visitors stood awestruck beneath the enormous redwood trees.
A Adjectives for Places, Nature, and Surroundings
Abandoned
Abandoned describes a place or object that has been left behind and is no longer being used or cared for.
We passed an abandoned farmhouse beside the road.
Ancient
Ancient describes something extremely old, especially something from the distant past.
The city is surrounded by ancient walls.
Arctic
Arctic means relating to the Arctic region.
The researchers were prepared for Arctic conditions.
It can also be used more loosely for something extremely cold.
Arid
Arid describes a place or climate with very little rainfall or moisture.
Few plants survive in the arid desert.
Agricultural
Agricultural describes things connected with farming or the cultivation of land.
Much of the surrounding region is agricultural.
Adjacent
Adjacent means next to or very close to something.
The hotel has an adjacent parking lot.
Airborne
Airborne describes something carried or moving through the air.
Airborne dust made it difficult to see across the construction site.
Aquatic
Aquatic means relating to water or living in water.
The wetland supports a wide variety of aquatic plants.
A Adjectives for Ideas, Information, and Situations
Abstract
Abstract describes an idea or quality that does not exist as a physical object.
Freedom can be difficult to explain because it is an abstract concept.
Academic
Academic relates to education, study, schools, colleges, or scholarly work.
The university has strict academic standards.
Accessible
Accessible can mean easy to reach or enter.
The station is accessible by bus.
It can also describe information that is easy to understand.
The author makes a difficult subject accessible to beginners.
Ambiguous
Ambiguous describes something that can be understood in more than one way.
The wording of the question was ambiguous.
Arbitrary
Arbitrary describes a decision or rule based on individual choice rather than a clear reason, principle, or system.
The deadline seemed completely arbitrary.
Authentic
Authentic means genuine or real rather than fake or copied.
The museum confirmed that the document was authentic.
Automatic
Automatic describes a machine or process that operates with little or no direct human control.
The building has an automatic door.
Autonomous
Autonomous means independent or able to govern or control itself.
The region is largely autonomous in local matters.
Adaptable or Adaptive?
Adaptable and adaptive are closely related, but they are often used differently.
Adaptable usually describes a person or thing that can adjust successfully to new conditions.
Maya is adaptable and settles quickly into unfamiliar situations.
Adaptive usually describes a feature, behavior, process, or system that helps something adjust to changing conditions.
The software uses adaptive technology to respond to each user’s needs.
A useful distinction is:
- adaptable = capable of adjusting
- adaptive = helping or relating to adjustment
Amiable or Amicable?
These two words both have a friendly meaning, but they usually describe different things.
Amiable most often describes a person’s friendly and pleasant character.
Our amiable guide made the tour enjoyable.
Amicable usually describes a relationship, discussion, agreement, or separation that is friendly and free from hostility.
The two sides reached an amicable agreement.
So you would naturally describe an amiable person but an amicable relationship.
Assertive or Aggressive?
Assertive and aggressive can both involve strong or direct behavior, but they are not the same.
An assertive person expresses needs, opinions, or boundaries confidently while still respecting others.
Tessa was assertive when explaining why the deadline was unrealistic.
Aggressive behavior is more forceful and may involve hostility, intimidation, or disregard for others.
His aggressive response turned a minor disagreement into an argument.
Being assertive does not require being aggressive.
Alarmed, Anxious, or Apprehensive?
These three adjectives all involve worry, but they describe slightly different situations.
Alarmed usually suggests a sudden reaction to possible danger.
We were alarmed by the emergency warning.
Anxious often describes ongoing worry or nervousness.
Carlos felt anxious about the exam results.
Apprehensive usually describes uneasiness about something that may happen.
She was apprehensive about starting a new job in another city.
The meanings can overlap, but the context usually makes one word more natural than the others.
Less Common A Adjectives Worth Knowing
Acerbic
Acerbic describes speech, writing, or humor that is sharp and often critical.
The critic is known for her acerbic reviews.
Austere
Austere can describe something plain, severe, or without unnecessary comfort or decoration.
The room had an austere interior with bare walls and simple furniture.
It can also describe a person with a strict or serious manner.
Auspicious
Auspicious means suggesting that future events are likely to be successful or favorable.
Clear skies provided an auspicious start to the festival.
Amorphous
Amorphous means lacking a clear shape, structure, or organization.
The plan was still amorphous and needed more detail.
Axiomatic
Axiomatic describes something generally accepted as obviously true or self-evident.
It seems axiomatic that accurate information leads to better decisions.
Archetypal
Archetypal describes something that is a very typical or ideal example of a particular kind.
The story follows the archetypal journey of a reluctant hero.
Archaic
Archaic describes a word, practice, or system that belongs to an earlier period and is no longer in ordinary use.
The document contains several archaic expressions.
Awry
Awry means wrong, out of position, or not proceeding as intended.
Our plans went awry when the road was closed.
For adjectives beginning with every letter of the alphabet, see the A–Z list of adjectives with meanings.
Explore Adjectives by Letter
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
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