Adjectives are vital in the English language to describe and add meaning to nouns. While there are countless adjectives to choose from, one intriguing category to explore is adjectives that start with the letter “A”.
Jump to:
These words possess a unique charm and can be used to enhance the quality of one’s writing or speech. From “amazing” to “adventurous,” “absurd” to “affectionate,” the adjectives beginning with “A” cover a wide range of emotions, characteristics, and qualities.
Whether you are seeking an word to express wonder, convey admiration, or recount something extraordinary, the “A” adjectives have got you covered. We’ve compiled the ultimate list of adjectives starting with the first letter of the alphabet below, so you can impress everyone with your expansive vocabulary.
What are adjectives?
Adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns and pronouns. They add detail and information to a sentence, helping to paint a clearer picture in the reader’s mind.
Adjectives can describe qualities, sizes, colors, shapes, quantities, and more. Without adjectives, sentences would lack descriptive power, and our language would be less vivid.
For example, instead of saying “I saw a dog,” we can say “I saw a small, fluffy dog.” The adjectives “small” and “fluffy” provide specific information about the dog, giving us a better understanding of what it looked like. See more use cases and examples here.
Adjectives also play a crucial role in comparative and superlative forms, allowing us to compare and rank things. Additionally, adjectives are essential in creating engaging and persuasive writing.
By using carefully chosen adjectives, writers can elicit specific emotions, opinions, and reactions from their readers. Overall, adjectives enhance our ability to communicate effectively, making them a fundamental and valuable part of language.
Ultimate List of Adjectives Starting with A
Here is the full list of adjectives that begin with A and their definitions.
- Abandoned: Refers to something that has been left behind or deserted, like an abandoned building or a ghost town.
- Abounding: Existing or occurring in abundance; plentiful or overflowing.
- Abrasive: Tending to cause annoyance, irritation, or friction.
- Abstract: Existing in thought or as an idea, not having a physical or concrete existence.
- Absurd: Ridiculous, illogical, or contrary to reason.
- Abundant: Existing or available in large quantities.
- Abusive: Engaging in harmful or cruel behavior towards others.
- Academic: Relating to education, learning, or scholarly pursuits.
- Acceptable: Meeting the required standards or expectations.
- Accomplished: Highly skilled or successful in a particular field or endeavor.
- Accurate: Correct, precise, or exact.
- Acidic: Having a sour or acidic taste.
- Active: Engaging in physical or mental activity.
- Adaptable: Able to adjust or change to suit different conditions.
- Adept: Highly skilled or proficient in a particular area.
- Adequate: Sufficient or satisfactory in quantity, quality, or degree.
- Adjacent: Next to or adjoining something.
- Admirable: Worthy of admiration or respect.
- Admissible: Allowed or accepted, especially as evidence in a legal context.
- Adorable: Extremely cute, charming, or lovable.
- Advanced: Describes something that is highly developed or sophisticated, like advanced technology or advanced machinery.
- Adventurous: Willing to take risks and try new things.
- Aesthetic: Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty.
- Affable: Friendly, approachable, and easy to talk to; warm in demeanor.
- Affectionate: Displaying fondness, love, or warmth towards others.
- Affirmative: Expressing agreement, approval, or confirmation.
- Aggressive: Displaying hostility or a willingness to fight.
- Agile: Quick and nimble in movement or thinking.
- Aging: Showing signs of getting older.
- Agitated: Feeling restless or disturbed.
- Aimless: Without purpose, direction, or goals.
- Al dente: Firm to the bite; used to describe pasta cooked to a slightly firm texture.
- Alarmed: Feeling sudden fear or concern.
- Alert: Watchful, attentive, or prepared for potential danger or opportunity.
- Allocated: Assigned or distributed in a specific quantity or proportion.
- Alluring: Attractive or enticing in a subtle or captivating way.
- Aloof: Distant, uninvolved, or emotionally detached.
- Altruistic: Selflessly concerned for the well-being of others.
- Amazed: Filled with wonder, astonishment, or awe.
- Ambiguous: Having more than one possible interpretation or meaning.
- Ambitious: Having a strong desire and determination to achieve success.
- Ambivalent: Having mixed or contradictory feelings about something or someone.
- Ambrosial: Describes something that has a delightful taste or aroma, like ambrosial fruits or heavenly desserts.
- Amiable: Friendly, agreeable, and displaying a pleasant and likable personality.
- Amicable: Friendly and peaceful in nature, characterized by goodwill.
- Ample: Plentiful or abundant in size, quantity, or portion.
- Amused: Feeling entertained or finding something funny.
- Analytical: Relating to analysis or logical reasoning.
- Ancient: Having existed or occurred in a distant past; very old or historic.
- Angelic: Having a sweet, gentle, or kind nature.
- Angry: Feeling a strong and intense displeasure or rage.
- Angular: Having sharp and distinct edges or corners.
- Animated: Full of energy, enthusiasm, or liveliness.
- Annoyed: Feeling slightly irritated or bothered.
- Annoying: Causing irritation or frustration.
- Antagonistic: Showing hostility or opposition.
- Antique: Describes something that is old or from a previous era, like antique furniture or vintage cars.
- Anxious: Feeling worried or uneasy.
- Apathetic: Showing a lack of interest or concern.
- Appealing: Attractive or desirable in appearance, taste, or presentation.
- Appetizing: Appealing to the appetite or taste.
- Appreciative: Feeling grateful or thankful, recognizing the value or significance of something.
- Apprehensive: Feeling anxious or fearful.
- Appropriate: Suitable or fitting for a particular purpose.
- Aquatic: Describes something that is related to or lives in water, such as fish or marine creatures.
- Arbitrary: Based on personal preference or random choice, lacking a specific reason or pattern.
- Arboreal: Refers to something that is related to or lives in trees, such as monkeys or certain bird species.
- Architectural: Relating to the design and structure of buildings or other physical structures.
- Arctic: Relating to the polar region or extremely cold environments.
- Argumentative: Inclined to argue or disagree.
- Armful: The amount or quantity that can be held in one’s arms.
- Aromatic: Having a pleasant and distinctive smell.
- Arrogant: Having an exaggerated sense of one’s own importance.
- Artificial: Made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally; synthetic or imitation.
- Artistic: Creative, imaginative, and skillful in artistic expression or appreciation.
- Ascending: Increasing or rising in size, quantity, or scale.
- Ashamed: Feeling embarrassed, guilty, or remorseful.
- Assertive: Confident and self-assured in expressing thoughts and opinions.
- Astonished: Greatly surprised or amazed.
- Astonishing: Surprising or amazing; causing great wonder or awe.
- Astute: Showing keen mental perception and judgment.
- Athletic: Possessing physical strength and agility.
- Atmospheric: Creating a particular mood or ambiance; having a distinctive atmosphere.
- Atomic: Extremely small or minute in size, referring to atoms or atomic particles.
- Atrocious: Extremely bad or unpleasant, horrifying.
- Attentive: Showing genuine interest, care, and consideration towards others; mindful and observant.
- Attractive: Pleasing or appealing to the eye.
- Atypical: Having a unique or uncommon appearance; not conforming to the usual or expected norms.
- Augmented: Increased or enlarged in size, quantity, or degree.
- Authentic: Genuine, sincere, and true to oneself; not pretending or imitating others.
- Authoritative: Possessing authority and commanding respect.
- Automated: Refers to something that is operated by machines or programmed to perform tasks automatically, like automated systems or automated processes.
- Automatic: Operating independently or without human control.
- Available: Accessible, obtainable, or ready for use.
- Average: Typical, ordinary, or within the normal range.
- Avian: Relating to birds.
- Avid: Having a strong enthusiasm or passion for something.
- Aware: Conscious or knowledgeable about something.
- Awe-inspiring: Impressive or overwhelming in size, magnitude, or grandeur.
- Awesome: Inspires a feeling of admiration, wonder, or awe
- Awestruck: Filled with a feeling of deep respect, wonder, or reverence.
- Awkward: Lacking grace or skill in social situations.
Using these adjectives, we can add depth and specificity to our writing, making it more engaging and impactful. Whether we are describing a person, place, or thing, adjectives allow us to bring our words to life.
Positive “A” Adjectives
Positive words are essential for expressing our feelings towards someone or something. Here’s a list of positive adjectives starting with the first letter of the alphabet that signify optimism, beauty, and inspiration.
- Accomplished
- Adept
- Admirable
- Adventurous
- Affable
- Affectionate
- Agile
- Alluring
- Altruistic
- Ambitious
- Amiable
- Amicable
- Angelic
- Animated
- Appreciative
- Artistic
- Assertive
- Astute
- Attentive
- Authentic
- Avid
- Awe-inspiring
Negative adjectives that start with A
While positive adjectives often take center stage, it is crucial to acknowledge the negative counterparts that start with the letter “A.” These adjectives, although disheartening in nature, help to add depth and complexity to our language.
From describing people and objects to emotions and experiences, these adjectives play a significant role in articulating our thoughts and feelings. Whether we encounter difficult individuals or encounter unfavorable circumstances, these negative adjectives serve as a language tool to describe and analyze our surroundings.
- Abrasive
- Absurd
- Abusive
- Aggressive
- Aimless
- Aloof
- Ambivalent
- Angry
- Annoying
- Antagonistic
- Apathetic
- Apprehensive
- Argumentative
- Arrogant
- Ashamed
- Atrocious
- Awkward
Please note that these adjectives represent negative connotations, but they may not be universally negative in all contexts. The interpretation of an adjective can depend on the specific situation or perspective.
Neutral A adjectives
Neutrality in adjectives means that they neither have a positive nor negative connotation, allowing us to describe a wide range of subjects without bias. Whether you are looking for the perfect word to describe a product, an experience, or a person, these neutral adjectives beginning with “A” will come in handy, offering a balanced and accurate portrayal of your subject matter.
- Abstract
- Academic
- Acceptable
- Accurate
- Active
- Adaptable
- Adequate
- Admissible
- Aesthetic
- Alert
- Affirmative
- Ambiguous
- Analytical
- Appropriate
- Arbitrary
- Artificial
- Automatic
- Available
- Average
- Aware
Adjectives for Specific Uses
Emotions and feelings
These describing words will help you explain a wide range of emotions and feelings experienced by individuals. It’s important to note that emotions can be complex and subjective, and different people may interpret and experience them differently.
- Affectionate
- Agitated
- Alarmed
- Amazed
- Ambivalent
- Amused
- Angry
- Annoyed
- Anxious
- Appreciative
- Apprehensive
- Ashamed
- Astonished
- Awestruck
- Awkward
Physical appearance
If you’re looking for words you can use to explain various aspects of someone’s appearance, such as their overall attractiveness, physical attributes, body shape, and distinctive qualities. However, it’s important to remember that beauty and appearance are subjective, and perceptions may vary among individuals.
- Adorable
- Aging
- Ample
- Angular
- Alluring
- Appealing
- Astonishing
- Athletic
- Attractive
- Atypical
- Average
Personality traits
These words to describe someone focus on various aspects of their personality or character traits.
- Adaptable
- Adventurous
- Affable
- Affectionate
- Altruistic
- Amiable
- Analytical
- Artistic
- Assertive
- Attentive
- Authentic
Size and quantity
These adjectives can be used to describe various aspects of size or quantity, whether it’s describing something as large, plentiful, average, or increasing in scale.
- Abounding
- Abundant
- Accurate
- Adjacent
- Adequate
- Allocated
- Ample
- Appropriate
- Arbitrary
- Armful
- Ascending
- Atomic
- Augmented
- Average
- Awe-inspiring
Color and appearance
These adjectives can be used to describe the color or appearance of various items, objects, or even natural phenomena.
- Aged
- Alabaster
- Amber
- Amethyst
- Apricot
- Aquamarine
- Ashen
- Auburn
- Azure
Taste and texture
These adjectives can be used to describe the taste and texture of various foods, beverages, and culinary experiences.
- Acidic
- Ample
- Appetizing
- Aromatic
Animals and nature
Use these a terms for discussing various aspects of animals and nature, whether it’s their physical characteristics, habitat, or general qualities.
- Adorable
- Agile
- Ancient
- Aquatic
- Arboreal
- Arctic
- Avian: Relating to birds.
- Awe-inspiring
Places and locations
These terms can be used to discuss various aspects of places and locations, including their characteristics, ambiance, or historical significance.
- Abandoned
- Adorable
- Ample
- Ancient
- Architectural
- Artistic
- Astonishing
- Atmospheric
Food and beverages
The following words that start with a can be used for describing the qualities and characteristics of various food and beverage items, whether it’s their taste, texture, aroma, or overall appeal. Have even more fun and match them with these Foods That Start With A.
- Acidic
- Al dente
- Ambrosial
- Ample
- Appealing
- Appetizing
- Aromatic
- Authentic
Objects and things
These following terms can be used to discuss various objects, things, or qualities related to them.
- Abstract
- Adorable
- Advanced
- Ample
- Ancient
- Antique
- Artificial
- Artistic
- Astonishing
- Attractive
- Automated
Printable List of Adjectives That Start With A
Click the image below to download/print a list of A adjectives.
These adjectives starting with A can add depth and nuance to our descriptions and help us communicate more effectively. Whether you’re describing animals and nature, places and locations, food and beverages, or objects and things, these adjectives can bring your language to life.