12 must-know adjectives for people and personality. In this lesson, you’ll learn advanced English vocabulary that will improve your speaking and writing skills, helping you sound more natural and confident. Learn advanced English adjectives to describe people.
These adjectives will help you express yourself with precision, making your conversations flow more smoothly and helping you to speak like a native.
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List of adjectives
Adjectives for people and personality
Harry
So we’re going to focus on today are adjectives—specifically, advanced English adjectives that are essential for describing people. Whether you’re preparing for proficiency exams like IELTS or TOEFL, or simply looking to improve your English speaking and writing skills, these adjectives will help you express yourself more clearly and naturally.
I’ll walk you through a list of important adjectives that will boost your vocabulary and take your communication to the next level. By the end, you’ll have a better grasp of how to use these words to sound more fluent and confident in everyday English.
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sensible
Meaning: someone who makes good decisions based on reason and practical thinking
Examples:
A sensible person looks both ways before crossing the road to ensure it’s safe.
Maria was sensible and met with the teacher when her child had trouble at school.
He is very sensible. He doesn’t do things without thinking about the risks.
He’s sensible and won’t run off with his friends without telling us.
sensitive
Meaning: someone who feels emotions strongly or is easily affected by what others say or do
Examples:
Sarah is sensitive and feels hurt when she gets criticised.
Emily is a very sensitive person. She starts crying every time when she sees animals on the TV that have been badly treated.
He is very sensitive to the change in the climate, particularly in the early summer.
assertive
Meaning: someone who confidently expresses their thoughts, feelings, and needs in a direct and respectful way
Examples:
Mike was assertive and explained his problem clearly to customer service.
Nina is assertive and takes the lead when her group needs direction.
Lisa is assertive and always asks questions when she doesn’t understand.
Adjectives for people and personality
competitive
Meaning: someone who wants to win or be the best, they enjoy challenges and try hard to succeed
Examples:
Growing up, we were always competitive and tried to outdo each other.
During the school exams, Emily was competitive and studied hard to get the highest grades.
greedy
Meaning: someone who wants more than they really need
Examples:
Don’t be so greedy! You’ve already had two slices of cake, so please leave some for others.
Greedy people are never satisfied and always want more money and a bigger house.
arrogant
Meaning: someone who believes they are better, more important, or more knowledgeable than others
Examples:
Being arrogant, Lisa dismissed her colleague’s suggestions without listening.
Sarah’s arrogant attitude makes it hard for others to get along with her.
Ronaldo may have seemed arrogant, but he was the best footballer back then.
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thick
Meaning: someone who is slow to understand things or has difficulty grasping ideas
Examples:
That child is thick at times. I wonder if he’ll ever understand simple maths.
Being a bit thick, he didn’t realise the mistake in the report until someone pointed it out.
patronising
Meaning: someone who acts friendly but shows they think they’re smarter or better than you
Examples:
She was so patronising, acting like I didn’t already know what she was talking about.
He was patronising and made it seem like he didn’t think we could handle the task on our own.
obnoxious
Meaning: someone who is very unpleasant, rude, or annoying. They behave in ways that irritate or offend others
Examples:
He’s so obnoxious, always swearing and using bad language in front of everyone.
He’s obnoxious, he’s got no manners, he’s rude. He doesn’t close his mouth when he’s eating.
Adjectives for people and personality
pretentious
Meaning: someone who tries to seem more important, knowledgeable, or cultured than they really are
Examples:
Sam is so pretentious. He is not even a manager, but he always acts as if he is the most important person in this company.
She’s such a pretentious snob, always bragging about her expensive clothes and looking down on others.
She always tries to sound pretentious by using big words no one else understands.
ruthless
Meaning: someone who will do anything to achieve their goals, even if it means being harsh or showing no compassion
Examples:
She’s a ruthless competitor, stopping at nothing to win.
The board was ruthless, making quick decisions to cut jobs and meet their targets.
The CEO was absolutely ruthless in his choice of those people who were going to be made redundant.
down-to-earth
Meaning: someone who is practical, realistic, and modest
A down-to-earth person is easy to get along with and doesn’t act like they’re better than others.
Examples:
Despite his success, he’s very down-to-earth and treats everyone with respect.
Patrick is a great person once you get to know him. He’s straightforward, open, and easy to talk to. A really down-to-earth guy.
So let me give these adjectives for people and personality to you one more time:
- sensible
- sensitive
- assertive
- competitive
- greedy
- arrogant
- thick
- patronising
- obnoxious
- pretentious
- ruthless
- down-to-earth
I hope this list helps you describe people more effectively in your English conversations. If you’d like more examples or need further clarification, feel free to contact me at englishlessonviaskype.com And as always, keep practising to improve your fluency and confidence in English.
Thanks for watching and listening, join me again soon.
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more information
For more information on English grammar rules, English collocations and English idioms, check out the links below:
Intermediate English travel vocabulary
English vocabulary related to driving
You can always study English advanced level at Learning English with the BBC and British Council Learn English.
