200+ Descriptive Words for Personality Traits | The Ultimate List!

If you are looking for descriptive words for personality traits, then you have landed in the right place! 

Below are hundreds of personality adjectives, and vocabulary words to describe a character trait. 

We are all unique individuals and that is what makes us so special. We each have our own likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses. One way to show our personality is by using descriptive words that define us. 

Almost every descriptive word on this list is a strong adjective. Why? Well, since adjectives describe a noun. And since a person is a noun, so it makes sense.

Here are some words to describe the person you are.

And whether you are looking for the perfect word to improve your travel journal, a positive word for a job application, or some personality adjectives for the story you are writing. In this ultimate guide, you will find the right word for describing a personality.

The Ultimate List of descriptive personality words

different types of personality traits

Introverted

Shy and uncomfortable around people, preferring to be alone.

Extroverted

Outgoing and enjoying being around people, often the life of the party.

Sensitive

Easily hurt emotionally and often taking things too personally.

Insensitive

Not easily hurt emotionally and often taking things too lightly.

Independent

Prefers to do things on their own and doesn’t rely on others.

Dependent

Needs others in order to feel comfortable and complete.

Open-minded

Willing to accept new ideas and different points of view.

Close-minded

Resistant to change and unwilling to accept new ideas or different points of view.

Optimistic

Believes the best is yet to come and tends to look on the bright side of life.

Pessimistic

Believes the worst is yet to come and tends to look on the dark side of life.

Descriptive Words for Personality

The following adjectives can be used to describe a person‘s character traits.

adventurous

Enjoying taking risks

calm

Not easily upset

careful

Always looking out for possible dangers

energetic

Always moving and active

friendly

Kind and pleasant to be around

funny

Enjoying making people laugh

hardworking

Always putting a lot of effort into what they do

loyal

Always faithful to the people they care about

polite

Always behaving in a polite way

positive

Always seeing the good in things

reliable

Always doing what they say they will do

responsible

Always doing what is expected of them

romantic: very loving and caring

sensitive

Easily affected by things that happen around them

smart

Intelligent, quick-witted, and resourceful.

thoughtful

Taking care in thought or action; considerate

tolerant

Able to accept different opinions or beliefs without feeling upset or threatened

Example Sentence: When it comes to discussing religion or politics, Jane is very tolerant. She never gets upset or threatened when someone has a different opinion than her.

Character Traits and Personality Adjectives for A Job Interview

The words that you use to describe yourself during a job interview are important. They can make a big impression on the interviewer and can help you stand out from the other candidates.

When you are describing your personality, be sure to use words that are positive and that show off your best qualities. Try to avoid using words that are negative or that could be seen as weaknesses.

Some good words to use to describe your personality include:

motivated

Having a strong desire to achieve a goal

dedicated

Giving all of one’s time and effort to a task

organized

Able to keep track of details and stay on schedule

reliable

Someone who can be counted on to do what they say they will do

Flexible

Able to adapt easily to changes or new situations

Detail-oriented

Someone who pays close attention to the small details

Hard-working

Always puts in the extra effort to get the job done

Responsible

Take ownership of her work and takes the initiative to get things done

Reliable

Can be counted on to do what she says she will do

Detail-oriented

Pays close attention to the small things and makes sure they are done correctly

Patient

Can handle stress calmly and does not get easily frustrated

Efficient

Can do a lot in a short amount of time without sacrificing quality

Creative

Thinks outside the box and comes up with new ideas

Team-player

Works well with others and is willing to help out when needed

Positive

Always looks on the bright side and tries to see the best in people

Quantitative

Able to measure or quantify

accurate

reliable in producing correct results; exact

analytical

able to understand complex problems and figure out solutions

detail-oriented

focused on accuracy and precision

efficient

able to complete tasks quickly and effectively

innovative

able to think of new ways to do things

problem-solver

able to identify and solve problems

Driven

Having a strong desire to achieve a goal

Passionate

Having or showing strong feelings or enthusiasm

Resourceful

Having the ability to find ways to do things

Intelligent

Having or showing a high level of intelligence or knowledge

Organized

Having the ability to plan and organize efficiently

Dedicated

Devoted to a task or purpose

Driven

Having a strong desire to achieve a goal

Common Adjectives and Definitions for Personality Types

A common word doesn’t mean it isn’t worth using. It just means that it is used more than other words on this list of best describing words for personality. And even more personality adjectives.

ambitious

driven to achieve success

analytical

able to understand complex situations and problems

artistic

interested in and talented in the arts

brave

willing to take risks even if it might be dangerous

careful

willing to take the time to plan and consider all possible outcomes

competitive

striving to be the best in everything they do

creative

able to come up with new and innovative ideas

dependable

able to be counted on to do what is needed

energetic

always moving and always looking for new opportunities

friendly

easy to get along with and always willing to help

honest

never willing to cheat or take advantage of others

independent

able to make decisions and take action without needing help

intelligent

smart and able to understand complex concepts

logical

able to think in a systematic and rational

heavy-handed

clumsy; not delicate or skillful

The heavy-handed doctor was not gentle when he examined my injury.

Outgoing

a. Friendly and talkative

b. Enjoys being around people

Quiet

a. Prefers to be alone or with a few close friends

b. Does not enjoy being around people

Organized

a. Keeps everything in its place

b. Easily finds what they are looking for

Messy

a. Cannot seem to keep things tidy

b. Everything is a mess

Independent

a. Prefers to do things on their own

b. Does not like asking for help

Dependent

a. Cannot do things on their own

b. Always needs help from others

Positive Adjectives – descriptive words for personality

Here is a list of positive personality adjectives that you can use for everything from describing people, to writing an email seeking some career advice. And some of them have example sentences so you can better understand these personality adjectives. A lot of these could be used as adverbs as well. 

Ambitious 

having a strong desire to be successful.

Example Sentence – The ambitious writer, self-published his book. 

Animated 

Full of life and energy

Alert 

Quick to notice and react

Assertive 

Confident and forceful in stating opinions

Bold 

Daring and fearless

Creative 

Able to come up with new ideas

Confident

Sure of oneself and one’s abilities

Determined 

Resolute in purpose

Driven 

Having a strong force or motivation to achieve a goal

Enthusiastic 

Excited and passionate about what one does

Examples Sentence: My best friend is always enthusiastic about trying any new thing.

Encouraging 

Giving someone the encouragement they need to succeed.

Example Sentence: The encouraging parent, helped their child.

Exciting 

Stimulating and engaging

Friendly 

Warm and pleasant

Generous 

Open-handed and unselfish

Good-natured 

Kind and pleasant

Example Sentence: My friend is always good-natured and is always willing to help.

Honest 

Truthful and forthright

Humorous 

Funny and amusing

Imaginative 

Having or showing a lot of creative imagination

Example Sentence: My little sister is so imaginative; she always has a new story to tell. 

Innovative

Introducing new ideas or methods

Inspiring 

Motivating or inspiring people to do something

Inventive 

Imaginative and resourceful

Kind 

One of the positive words means Gentle and compassionate

Loving 

Warm and affectionate

Motivating 

Inspiring people to do something

Optimistic 

Hopeful and confident

Passionate

Deeply emotional and enthusiastic

Persistent 

A positive adjective to describe someone who is determined and unrelenting

Resourceful

Able to find ways to get things done

Sociable 

Enjoying the company of others

Spirited 

Full of vitality and enthusiasm

The spirited kids loved the birthday party.

Vibrant 

Full of energy and life

Negative adjectives – descriptive words and definitions for personality

Her are some personality adjectives and traits that are not necessarily positive. And can cover anything from a trait, to peoples appearance.

Angry

Hostile and irritable, especially towards others

Antisocial 

A person who does not enjoy being around others, or who does not feel comfortable in social situations

Arrogant

Excessively confident and often considers themselves to be better than others

Boring

Uninteresting and has a dull personality

Bull-headed 

Stubborn and does not change their opinion or decision easily

Clingy 

A person who is overly attached to others and often becomes very possessive

Clueless 

Uninformed or naive about a situation

Examples: The clueless applicant couldn’t fill out the required fields.

Cruel 

Unkind, insensitive, and often enjoys causing pain or distress to others

Defensive 

quick to take offense and is not open to others’ opinions

Disrespectful 

Someone who shows a lack of regard for the feelings, wishes, or rights of others

Dishonest

A person who is not truthful or who often lies

Disruptive

Causing trouble and is difficult to deal with

Domineering 

Describes a person who is always trying to control others and is often very demanding

Embarrassing 

Someone who is likely to cause others to feel ashamed or uncomfortable

Egocentric 

A person who is excessively preoccupied with their own needs and desires

Frustrating 

Someone who is difficult to deal with or who makes it difficult for others to accomplish tasks

Hateful 

A person who is filled with anger and resentment towards others and often enjoys causing harm

Long-winded

Speaking or writing at great length, especially tediously

Ignorant 

Someone who is unaware or uninformed about a situation

He was ignorant of the variety of Spanish adjectives, like the verb ser (Which reminds me, you should check out the best quotes about Spain).

Jealous 

Someone who feels intense or irrational envy towards others and is often possessive and protective of what they have

Malicious 

Someone who has a deep-seated desire to hurt or see others suffer.

Example Sentence: The malicious director yelled at his actor until he quit. 

Mean 

Someone who is spiteful and unkind, especially to those who are weaker or vulnerable

Nasty 

Describes someone who is mean, rude, and unpleasant

Rude 

The behaviour of someone who is impolite and doesn’t consider other people’s feelings

Sadistic 

A character trait of someone who derives pleasure from inflicting pain or suffering on others

Spiteful 

A personality who is angry and mean for no good reason

Stubborn 

A person who is inflexible and will not change their opinion or course of action, even in the face of overwhelming evidence

Unfriendly 

Describes someone who is not warm or welcoming. This vocabulary word can also be used as an adverb. Meaning it can describe a verb as well. 

Unpleasant 

Vocabulary word that describes someone who is not pleasant to be around, usually because they are grumpy or angry

Vengeful 

A person who seeks revenge for any slight or injury, no matter how small

Vicious 

Someone who is savage or brutal in their behavior.

descriptive adjectives and Definitions for Physical Appearance

Descriptive adjectives that describe a person’s physical appearance can be used to create a physical description. This can help you describe a character in a positive way, show individual differences, or reveal personal information. 

Beautiful

Something that is pleasing to the eye

Handsome

Something that is pleasing to the eye and has a pleasing shape

Pretty

 Something that is pleasing and has a delicate appearance

Lovely 

Pleasing and has a sweet or charming disposition

Cute

Something that is pleasing to the eye and has a youthful appearance

Adorable

Something that is irresistibly charming

Sexy 

Sexually attractive

Gorgeous

Strikingly beautiful

Tall 

Of greater than average height

Short 

Of less than average height

Thin 

Having a small body size

Fat 

Having a large body size

Fit 

In good physical shape

Athletic 

Physically fit and strong

Muscular

Well-developed muscles

Slim 

Thin with a small amount of body fat

Curvy 

Having curves in the body

Stocky 

Having a large amount of body fat

Strong Adjectives and Definitions for Peoples Appearance

Beautiful 

Possessing beauty of form, appearance, or nature

Handsome 

Pleasing in appearance especially by reason of fineness of form or features

Striking 

Making a strong or vivid impression

Majestic

Having or showing impressive dignity or nobility

Impressive 

Making a strong or vivid impression

Example Sentence: His use of the English language was impressive. 

Stately 

Having a dignified or graceful bearing

Graceful 

Having a pleasing or attractive appearance

Lovely 

Pleasing in appearance

adverbs and Descriptive Words for Personality Traits

• Affectionate
• Cruel
• Cheerful
• Bossy
• Honest
• Sensible
• Spolit
• Wetty

List of Adjectives to describe a character

Here is a list of adjectives to describe a character:

• Ambitious: Having or showing a strong desire and determination to succeed.
• Brave: Having or showing courage.
• Caring: Having or showing concern or affection for others.
• Cheerful: Having or showing a cheerful mood.
• Clever: Having or showing intelligence and quick-wittedness.
• Confident: Having or showing confidence in oneself.
• Creative: Having or showing the ability to create something new or original.
• Curious: Having or showing a desire to know or learn something.
• Determined: Having or showing determination; resolute.
• Energetic: Having or showing a lot of energy and enthusiasm.
• Fair: Treating people equally and fairly.
• Friendly: Kind and pleasant in manner.
• Generous: Giving or sharing freely with others.
• Good-humored: Having or showing a cheerful and pleasant disposition.
• Honest: Truthful and fair.
• Kind: Having or showing a friendly, generous, and considerate nature.
• Loyal: Faithful to a person or cause.
• Modest: Not proud or boastful.
• Open-minded: Willing to consider new ideas.
• Patient: Able to tolerate or wait calmly for something to happen.
• Perceptive: Quick to notice and understand things.
• Positive: Having a hopeful and optimistic attitude.
• Respectful: Having or showing a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something.
• Responsible: Having or showing a willingness to take on obligations or responsibilities.
• Self-confident: Having or showing confidence in oneself.
• Self-disciplined: Having or showing the ability to control one’s own behavior.
• Shy: Uncomfortable in the company of others.
• Sincere: Free from pretense or deceit; honest.
• Thoughtful: Showing care and consideration for others.
• Trustworthy: Able to be relied on to do what is right or to keep a secret.
• Understanding: Able to see things from another person’s point of view.
• Versatile: Able to do many different things well.
• Wise: Having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment.

Negative Traits : List of Character Traits

• Rudeness: Being rude is a lack of respect for others. It can be expressed in many ways, such as being impolite, inconsiderate, or dismissive. Rude people often have a negative attitude and are quick to anger.
• Egocentrism: Egocentrism is a belief in one’s own superiority. Egocentric people often think they are better than others and that their opinions are the only ones that matter. They may be unwilling to listen to others or consider other points of view.
• Greed: Greed is a desire for more than one needs. Greedy people are often obsessed with money, possessions, or power. They may be willing to sacrifice their relationships or their own well-being in order to get what they want.
• Bias: Bias is a prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair. Biased people may make judgments about others based on their own personal beliefs or experiences. They may be unwilling to consider other points of view or to change their own opinions.
• Aggressiveness: Aggressiveness is a behavior that is intended to harm or intimidate another person. Aggressive people may use physical violence, verbal abuse, or threats to get what they want. They may be quick to anger and have difficulty controlling their emotions.
• Disrespectfulness: Disrespectfulness is a lack of regard for the rights, feelings, or property of others. Disrespectful people may be rude, inconsiderate, or dismissive. They may not value the opinions or feelings of others.
• Manipulation: Manipulation is the act of controlling or influencing someone in a way that benefits the manipulator. Manipulative people may use lies, deceit, or emotional blackmail to get what they want. They may be able to charm and deceive others, but they are often untrustworthy and unreliable.

These are just a few of the many negative character traits that people can exhibit. It is important to be aware of these traits so that we can avoid them in ourselves and others.

 Positive Character Traits: List of Traits

Here are some positive traits that you can use in everyday life to help your writing. 

• Honesty: Honesty is the quality of being truthful and fair. Honest people are usually trustworthy and reliable. They are also likely to be open-minded and willing to listen to others.
• Respect: Respect is the feeling of admiration for someone or something. People who are respectful are usually polite and considerate. They are also likely to be tolerant and understanding of others.
• Kindness: Kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. Kind people are usually helpful and compassionate. They are also likely to be forgiving and understanding of others.
• Courage: Courage is the quality of being brave and facing danger or pain without fear. People who are courageous are usually strong and determined. They are also likely to be confident and optimistic.
• Loyalty: Loyalty is the quality of being faithful and devoted to someone or something. People who are loyal are usually trustworthy and reliable. They are also likely to be supportive and understanding of others.
• Responsibility: Responsibility is the quality of being accountable for one’s actions. People who are responsible are usually reliable and dependable. They are also likely to be organized and efficient.
• Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. People who are empathetic are usually compassionate and understanding. They are also likely to be forgiving and tolerant of others.
• Self-discipline: Self-discipline is the ability to control one’s own behavior. People who are self-disciplined are usually able to set goals and achieve them. They are also likely to be organized and efficient.
• Perseverance: Perseverance is the ability to continue working towards a goal even when faced with challenges or setbacks. People who are perseverant are usually determined and successful. They are also likely to be optimistic and confident.
• Open-mindedness: Open-mindedness is the ability to consider new ideas and perspectives. People who are open-minded are usually tolerant and understanding. They are also likely to be flexible and adaptable.
• Creativity: Creativity is the ability to think outside the box and come up with new ideas. People who are creative are usually imaginative and innovative. They are also likely to be independent and original.
• Humility: Humility is the quality of being modest and not thinking too highly of oneself. People who are humble are usually respectful and considerate. They are also likely to be forgiving and understanding of others.
• Gratitude: Gratitude is the quality of being thankful for what one has. People who are grateful are usually happy and optimistic. They are also likely to be generous and helpful to others.

List of Descendant Trait

Descendant traits are traits that can be inherited by a character’s descendants. They are usually passed down from a character’s parents, but they can also be acquired through events or decisions.

There are many different descendant traits, but some of the most common include:

• Adventurer: This trait gives a character a bonus to Martial and Prowess, and it also allows them to raise Men-At-Arms at a reduced cost.
• Berserker: This trait gives a character a bonus to Martial, but it also makes them more likely to go into a berserker rage, which can be dangerous for both them and their allies.
• Devoted: This trait gives a character a bonus to Piety, and it also makes them more likely to be accepted into the clergy.
• Heresiarch: This trait gives a character a bonus to Martial, Learning, and Prowess, and it also makes them more likely to be successful in leading a heretical sect.
• Holy Monarch: This trait gives a character a bonus to Martial, Prowess, and Faith Hostility, and it also makes them more likely to be successful in spreading their faith.

list of founding traits

Founding traits are the characteristics that make a person well-suited to starting and running a company.

• Ambition: A strong desire and energy for high achievement and success.
• Charisma: The ability to attract and influence others.
• Courage: The ability to face danger or pain without fear.
• Determination: The ability to persist in a course of action even in the face of difficulties.
• Ingenuity: The ability to come up with new and creative ideas.
• Leadership: The ability to inspire and guide others.
• Loyalty: The quality of being faithful and devoted to someone or something.
• Perseverance: The ability to continue working towards a goal even when faced with challenges or setbacks.
• Resourcefulness: The ability to find and use resources effectively.
• Vision: The ability to see the potential in a situation and to develop a plan to achieve that potential.

A writer needs to use words that paint a picture for their readers. The reader will be able to get a better understanding of the story and it will be easier for them to stay engaged.

That’s why we love learning useful adjectives, taking English lessons, and improving our writing skills.

Descriptive words are important for any author, travel writer, poet, or speaker. They allow the reader to enter into the world of the story and paint the picture with vivid, detailed language.

I hope this Ultimate guide of descriptive words for personality helped your