Adjectives that Begin with A (Definition, Examples & Questions)

A-adjectives: Adjectives starting with A

If you Google-search “most common adjectives that start with A,” you’ll get a bunch—applicable (see what I did there?).

1. Able: Competent; capable.

2. Academic: A penchant for scholastics; cerebrally-oriented.

3. Adaptable: Able to adjust to new conditions.

4. Adorable: Lovable; cute; charming.

5. Affectionate: Characterized by warmth, feelings of closeness, and comfort.

6. Agile: Able to move or maneuver oneself quickly.

7. Alert: Quick to act, respond, or understand; “mentally or intellectually active.” Embroiled in one’s surroundings; watchful; observant; fully aware.—OED.

8. Amazing: Incredible; worthy of praise.

9. Angelic: Exceptionally good or well-behaved.

10. Amusing: Entertaining; funny.

Undoubtedly, a respectable list. But we can do better: for this word list, we'll include our personal favourite adjectives that start with the letter A. Let’s begin with our most admired picks.

A1 (positive; encouraging) adjectives

• Abundant: More than enough; ample.
• Abubble: Bubbling with energy or life.
• Aboveboard: Open and honest; forthcoming.
• Accepting: Willing to receive or tolerate.
• Acclaimed: Praised publicly.
• Accreditable: Deserving of credit or recognition.
• Accomplished: Highly skilled; successful.
• Achieved: Reached by effort; attained.
• Acquiescent: Willing to agree or comply.
• Action-oriented: Focused on getting things done.
• Admirable: Worthy of respect.
• Aglow: Radiant with light or emotion.
• Aesthetic: Artistic; pleasing to the eye.
• Affable: Friendly; easy to talk to.
• Agreeable: Pleasant; easygoing.
• Ambassadorial: Acting as a representative.
• Ambitious: Having a strong desire to succeed.
• Amenable: Responsive to suggestion; cooperative.
• Amiable: Friendly and pleasant.
• Altruistic: Generous; selflessly concerned for others.
• Approachable: Easy to talk to; welcoming.
• Apt: Appropriate for the situation.
• Articulate: Able to express ideas clearly.
• Assiduous: Careful; showing persistent effort.
• Astute: Able to see issues clearly; shrewd.
• Auspicious: Conducive to success; promising.
• Autotelic: Motivated by the activity itself, not external factors or reward.
• Aware: Conscious of surroundings or feelings.
• Awesome: Inspiring awe; excellent.
• Attractive: Appealing to the eye or mind.
• Avuncular: Kind and friendly, like an uncle.
• Awakened: Illuminated; aware.
• Abstract: Conceptual; not concrete.
• Absolute: Complete; total.
• Accurate: Correct; precise.
• Apropos: Appropriate; pertinent.
• Assertive: Confidently self-assured.
• Assured: Confident; certain.

Abrasive A-adjectives

• Abject: Completely hopeless; miserable.
• Abominable: Detestable; very bad.
• Abrasive: Harsh; rude.
• Absurd: Ridiculous.
• Abysmal: Extremely bad.
• Acerbic: Bitter; unsavoury.
• Adverse: Negative; unfavorable.
• Aggravating: Annoying; frustrating.
• Aggressive: Ready to attack or confront.
• Agonizing: Very painful (physically or emotionally).
• Aimless: Without purpose or direction.
• Aloof: Distant; uninvolved.
• Amoral: Lacking moral principles.
• Angry: Filled with rage or hostility.
• Annoying: Causing irritation.
• Antisocial: Not friendly; indifferent to others.
• Apathetic: Lacking interest or emotion.
• Appalling: Shocking; horrifying.
• Argumentative: Inclined to dispute.
• Arrogant: Overbearingly proud.
• Atrocious: Extremely cruel or dreadful.
• Awful: Very bad or unpleasant.
• Awkward: Clumsy; lacking grace.

Neutral adjectives

These describe objects or concepts without strong positive or negative bias.

• Actual: Real; verifiable.
• Adequate: Sufficient for purpose.
• Additional: Added; extra.
• Adolescent: In the process of development.
• Alert: Vigilant; watchful.
• Alike: Similar; the same.
• Alternative: Offering a choice; options.
• Ambiguous: Open to more than one interpretation.
• Ancient: Very old.
• Annual: Occurring every year.
• Antique: Old and collectible.
• Apparent: Clearly visible; obvious.
• Automatic: Working by itself.
• Average: Typical; ordinary.