A list of 142 adjectives to learn for success in the IELTS, TOEFL, or any other English exam. To communicate more powerfully in English, avoid weak, boring and overly-used words such as good or bad. Instead, choose one of the thousands of other more specific descriptive adjectives that can energize your language, convey greater meaning, and boost your IELTS and TOEFL scores.
PEOPLE
examples: She’s a
helpful person. · He’s a
selfish person.
| PEOPLE |
|---|
| Good |
Bad |
| helpful |
unhelpful |
| friendly |
unfriendly |
| generous |
selfish |
| kind |
mean |
| compassionate |
wicked |
| sympathetic |
evil |
| reliable |
unreliable |
| gentle |
violent |
| honest |
dishonest |
| loving |
ruthless |
| caring |
uncaring |
| humble |
snobbish |
| receptive |
rude |
| understanding |
manipulative |
| cheerful |
angry |
| patient |
impatient |
| trustworthy |
untrustworthy |
| loyal |
disloyal |
| faithful |
unfaithful |
WEATHER
examples: The weather was
warm and
sunny. · The weather was
cold and
windy.
| WEATHER |
|---|
| Good |
Bad |
| lovely |
stormy |
| sunny |
cold |
| warm |
freezing |
| pleasant |
windy |
| balmy |
awful |
| beautiful |
rainy |
| summery |
humid |
| mild |
foggy |
| fine |
cloudy |
| clear |
nasty |
EXPERIENCE
examples: It was an
amazing book. · It was a
boring movie.
| EXPERIENCE |
|---|
| Good |
Bad |
| amazing |
boring |
| exciting |
unpleasant |
| positive |
negative |
| wonderful |
difficult |
| enriching |
frightening |
| interesting |
scary |
| unique |
horrible |
| magnificent |
terrible |
| joyful |
depressing |
| productive |
traumatic |
| relaxing |
stressful |
OTHER EXAMPLES
examples: What a
pretty dress. · What a
terrible accident.
| OTHER EXAMPLES |
|---|
| Good |
Bad |
| a pretty dress |
a terrible accident |
| an attractive kitchen |
an evil plot |
| a colourful painting |
a tasteless meal |
| a splendid meal |
a horrible day |
| a terrific show |
a stupid idea |
| an amazing concert |
a dreadful incident |
| a wonderful holiday |
a violent demonstration |
| a superb actor |
an exhausting trip |
| a magnificent collection |
a bitter employee |
| an excellent presentation |
a vengeful gang |
| an exceptional teacher |
a tough customer |
| an extraordinary performance |
a dirty room |
| a marvelous holiday |
a dangerous neighbourhood |
| a fantastic movie |
a tiring day |
| a tremendous honour |
a difficult exam |
| an outstanding musician |
a challenging quiz |
| a fabulous location |
a notorious criminal |
| a beautiful woman |
an illegal activity |
| a breathtaking performance |
an immoral act |
| a lovely home |
an isolated place |
| an exquisite painting |
a lonely widow |
| an intelligent professor |
a frustrating time |
| a gorgeous view |
a confusing situation |
| a safe area |
a disgusting smell |
| a proud parent |
a shocking attack |
| a well-behaved child |
a tense mood |
| a flexible policy |
a helpless feeling |
| a fragrant garden |
a cowardly act |
| a talented comedian |
a strict rule |
| a comfortable bed |
a careless driver |
| an optimistic attitude |
a pessimistic view |
Adam
Alex
Benjamin
Emma
Gill
Jade
James
Rebecca
Ronnie