Adjectives That Begin With The Letter A

Words are the building blocks of language, and adjectives are the vibrant colors that paint vivid pictures in our minds. Adjectives enrich our descriptions, making them more precise and engaging. This exploration focuses on adjectives starting with the letter "A," uncovering their meanings, usage, and nuances. Understanding these adjectives will not only expand your vocabulary but also enhance your ability to communicate effectively and creatively.

A Treasure Trove of Adjectives: Diving into the "A" List

Adjectives beginning with "A" offer a diverse range of descriptive possibilities. They can describe appearance, character, quality, or even origin. From the straightforward to the more complex, let's delve into the fascinating world of "A" adjectives, uncovering their potential to add depth and color to our language.

Here's a comprehensive list of adjectives starting with the letter "A," along with their meanings, examples, and explanations:

A

• Aback: Taken by surprise; startled.

  • "He was taken aback by her sudden outburst."

• Abandoned: Deserted or forsaken; wild and uncontrolled.

  • "The abandoned house stood as a reminder of forgotten times."
  • "She danced with abandoned joy at the party."

• Abashed: Embarrassed or ashamed.

  • "He felt abashed when he realized he had forgotten her name."

• Abatable: Capable of being lessened or diminished.

  • "The noise from the construction site was abatable with the use of earplugs."

• Abbatic: Relating to an abbot or abbey.

  • "The abbatic lands were carefully managed by the monks."

• Abbreviated: Shortened or reduced in length.

  • "The abbreviated version of the report was easier to digest."

• Abdicable: That may be abdicated.

  • "The throne was abdicable due to the king's failing health."

• Abdominal: Relating to the abdomen.

  • "He complained of abdominal pain after eating the spicy food."

• Aberrant: Deviating from the norm or expected course.

  • "The aberrant behavior of the stock market caused concern among investors."

• Abhorrent: Inspiring disgust and loathing.

  • "The idea of harming animals is abhorrent to her."

• Abiding: Lasting; enduring.

  • "She had an abiding love for her family."

• Abject: Utterly hopeless, miserable, or wretched.

  • "They lived in abject poverty after losing their jobs."

• Ablaze: Burning fiercely; brightly lit.

  • "The forest was ablaze after the lightning strike."

• Able: Having the power, skill, or means to do something.

  • "She is an able swimmer and often competes in races."

• Ablutionary: Pertaining to washing or cleansing.

  • "The ablutionary rituals were an important part of the religious ceremony."

• Abnormal: Deviating from what is normal or usual; strange.

  • "The doctor noticed an abnormal growth on the X-ray."

• Aboard: On or into a ship, aircraft, train, or other vehicle.

  • "All passengers are aboard the plane and ready for takeoff."

• Abortive: Failing to produce the intended result.

  • "The abortive attempt to climb the mountain left them disappointed."

• Abounding: Existing in great quantities or numbers.

  • "The forest was abounding with wildlife."

• Abraded: Worn away by friction or rubbing.

  • "The rocks were abraded by the constant flow of the river."

• Abrasive: Harsh or rough; causing friction. Can also describe a personality.

  • "The abrasive cleaner scratched the surface of the table."
  • "His abrasive personality often rubbed people the wrong way."

• Abreast: Up to date with the latest news, ideas, or information.

  • "She kept abreast of the latest developments in her field."

• Abridged: Shortened; condensed.

  • "He read the abridged version of the classic novel."

• Abroach: Being opened or started.

  • "The discussion of politics was abroach at the dinner table."

• Abrupt: Sudden and unexpected.

  • "The car came to an abrupt stop."

• Absent: Not present in a place or at an event.

  • "She was absent from school due to illness."
  • Also used to describe someone who is inattentive: "He had an absent look on his face, as if he were lost in thought."

• Absent-minded: Forgetful or inattentive.

  • "The absent-minded professor often forgot where he put his keys."

• Absolute: Total; complete; without qualification.

  • "She had absolute faith in her friend."
  • "Absolute zero is the lowest possible temperature."

• Absolved: Free from guilt or blame.

  • "He was absolved of all charges after the investigation."

• Absorbent: Able to soak up liquids easily.

  • "The absorbent paper towels quickly cleaned up the spill."

• Absorbing: Extremely interesting; captivating.

  • "The book was so absorbing that she read it in one sitting."

• Abstemious: Moderate or sparing, especially in eating and drinking.

  • "He led an abstemious life, avoiding all excesses."

• Abstract: Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.

  • "Abstract art is often open to interpretation."
  • "Abstract concepts like justice and freedom are difficult to define."

• Abstruse: Difficult to understand; obscure.

  • "The abstruse theories of quantum physics are challenging to grasp."

• Absurd: Wildly unreasonable, illogical, or inappropriate.

  • "The idea of flying to the moon seemed absurd a century ago."

• Acceptable: Satisfactory or allowable.

  • "The quality of the work was acceptable."

• Accepted: Generally approved or recognized.

  • "It is the accepted practice to tip waiters in restaurants."

• Accepting: Willing to receive or allow something.

  • "She was accepting of his apology."

• Accessible: Easy to approach or enter; easy to understand.

  • "The museum is accessible to people with disabilities."
  • "The professor made the complex topic accessible to his students."

• Accidental: Happening by chance, unintentionally, or unexpectedly.

  • "The accidental discovery of penicillin revolutionized medicine."

• Acclaimed: Publicly praised; celebrated.

  • "The film was acclaimed by critics and audiences alike."

• Accommodating: Willing to help or do favors.

  • "The hotel staff was very accommodating to our needs."

• Accompanying: Existing or going with someone or something else.

  • "The accompanying music enhanced the mood of the film."

• Accomplished: Highly skilled or successful.

  • "She is an accomplished pianist."

• Accordant: Agreeing or compatible.

  • "Their views were accordant on the issue of environmental protection."

• Accountable: Required to be responsible for something.

  • "Public officials should be held accountable for their actions."

• Accredited: Officially recognized or authorized.

  • "The university is accredited by a reputable organization."

• Accurate: Correct in all details; exact.

  • "The accurate measurement was crucial for the success of the experiment."

• Accursed: Doomed to evil, misery, or bad luck.

  • "The treasure was said to be accursed."

• Accusative: (In grammar) denoting a case of nouns and pronouns, used for the direct object of a verb.

  • "The accusative case is used for the direct object in many languages."

• Accusatory: Expressing accusation.

  • "She spoke in an accusatory tone."

• Accustomed: Customary; usual. Also, used to describe someone who is familiar with something.

  • "He was accustomed to the sound of the city."
  • "It is the accustomed way of doing things in this office."

• Acentric: Not having a center; eccentric.

  • "The acentric design of the building was quite unusual."

• Acerbic: Sharp and forthright; sarcastic.

  • "Her acerbic wit often made people uncomfortable."

• Aching: Suffering from a dull, continuous pain.

  • "He had an aching back after working in the garden all day."

• Acid: Having a pH of less than 7; sharp or bitter in taste. Can also be used metaphorically to describe a personality or comment.

  • "The acid rain damaged the forest."
  • "Her acid comment stung him."

• Acidic: Containing acid.

  • "The soil was too acidic for the plants to grow."

• Acknowledged: Recognized or admitted.

  • "He is an acknowledged expert in his field."

• Acquired: Obtained or developed.

  • "She had an acquired taste for olives."

• Acquisitive: Excessively interested in acquiring money or material things.

  • "He had an acquisitive nature and always wanted more."

• Acrid: Having an irritatingly strong and unpleasant taste or smell.

  • "The acrid smoke filled the air."

• Acrobatic: Performing or involving acrobatic feats.

  • "The acrobatic dancers amazed the audience."

• Acting: Temporarily performing the duties of another person.

  • "She was the acting manager while the manager was on vacation."

• Actionable: Giving sufficient reason to take legal action.

  • "His defamatory remarks were actionable."

• Activated: Having been made active or operative.

  • "The alarm system was activated when the door was opened."

• Active: Engaging or ready to engage in physically energetic pursuits.

  • "He leads an active lifestyle."

• Actual: Existing in fact; real.

  • "What is the actual cost of the project?"

• Actuarial: Relating to the assessment of risk in insurance and finance.

  • "The actuarial tables were used to calculate the insurance premiums."

• Acute: (Of a disease or condition) severe or sudden in onset; (of a sense or intellect) highly developed; (of an angle) less than 90 degrees.

  • "She had an acute ear infection."
  • "He had an acute sense of smell."
  • "An acute angle is less than 90 degrees."

• Adamant: Refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind.

  • "She was adamant that she would not go."

• Adaptable: Able to adjust to new conditions.

  • "She is a highly adaptable employee."

• Adapted: Modified to suit new conditions or a new purpose.

  • "The novel was adapted for the screen."

• Adaptive: Characterized by or showing adaptation.

  • "Adaptive clothing is designed for individuals with disabilities."

• Added: Extra; supplementary.

  • "The product had added features compared to the previous version."

• Addicted: Physiologically or psychologically dependent on a substance or activity.

  • "He was addicted to gambling."

• Adding: Contributing to; increasing.

  • "The new features are adding value to the product."

• Additional: More than what is usual or expected.

  • "The project required additional funding."

• Additive: Relating to or produced by addition.

  • "Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry."

• Addled: Unable to think clearly; confused.

  • "The heat had made him addled."

• Addressable: Capable of being addressed or dealt with.

  • "The security vulnerabilities are addressable with the latest patch."

• Adequate: Satisfactory or acceptable in quality or quantity.

  • "The food was adequate but not exceptional."

• Adherent: Sticking or clinging; faithful.

  • "Adherent bandages stick firmly to the skin."
  • "He is an adherent supporter of the political party."

• Adjacent: Next to or adjoining something else.

  • "They lived in adjacent houses."

• Adjectival: Relating to or functioning as an adjective.

  • "The word 'beautiful' is an adjectival word."

• Adjoining: Next to or in contact with.

  • "The two rooms were adjoining."

• Adjustable: Able to be adjusted or altered.

  • "The chair has an adjustable height."

• Administered: Having received or been subjected to something.

  • "The medication was administered by a nurse."

• Administrational: Relating to administration or management.

  • "The administrational tasks kept him busy."

• Administrative: Relating to the running of a business, organization, etc.

  • "She has an administrative role in the company."

• Admirable: Deserving respect and approval.

  • "His courage was admirable."

• Admiring: Showing or feeling admiration.

  • "She gave him an admiring glance."

• Admissible: Able to be allowed or conceded.

  • "The evidence was admissible in court."

• Admonitory: Giving or expressing a warning or reprimand.

  • "The teacher spoke in an admonitory tone."

• Adoptable: Suitable for adoption.

  • "The shelter has many adoptable pets."

• Adopted: Taken legally as one's own child.

  • "She is their adopted daughter."

• Adorable: Inspiring great affection or delight.

  • "The puppy was adorable."

• Adored: Greatly loved or admired.

  • "She was an adored actress."

• Adoring: Showing deep love and admiration.

  • "He gave her an adoring look."

• Adrenal: Relating to the adrenal glands.

  • "Adrenal fatigue is a term used to describe a group of symptoms believed to be caused by chronic stress."

• Adroit: Skillful and clever, especially in the use of hands or body.

  • "He was an adroit negotiator."

• Adult: Fully grown; mature.

  • "She is an adult now."

• Advancing: Moving forward; progressing.

  • "The advancing technology is changing the world."

• Advantageous: Providing a benefit; favorable.

  • "It is advantageous to learn a foreign language."

• Adventitious: Happening or carried on according to chance rather than design or inherent nature.

  • "The plant had adventitious roots growing from its stem."

• Adventuresome: Willing to take risks or try new things.

  • "They are an adventuresome couple who enjoy traveling the world."

• Adventurous: Willing to take risks or try out new methods, ideas, or experiences.

  • "She is an adventurous cook who loves to experiment with new flavors."

• Adversarial: Involving or characterized by conflict or opposition.

  • "The relationship between the two companies was adversarial."

• Adverse: Preventing success or development; harmful; unfavorable.

  • "The drug had adverse side effects."

• Advisable: To be recommended; sensible.

  • "It is advisable to wear a helmet when cycling."

• Advisory: Having the power to advise but not to give orders.

  • "The committee has an advisory role."

• Advocated: Publicly recommend or support.

  • "He advocated for stricter environmental regulations."

• Aerial: Existing, happening, or operating in the air.

  • "The aerial view of the city was stunning."

• Aeroelastic: Pertaining to the interaction between aerodynamic forces and elastic deformation.

  • "Aeroelastic flutter can cause catastrophic failure in aircraft wings."

• Aerodynamic: Designed to reduce air resistance.

  • "The aerodynamic design of the car improved its fuel efficiency."

• Aeronautical: Relating to the science or technology of flight.

  • "He has a degree in aeronautical engineering."

• Aerospace: Relating to the industry that deals with aircraft and spacecraft.

  • "The aerospace industry is a major employer in the region."

• Aesthetic: Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty.

  • "The building had an aesthetic appeal."

• Aesthetical: Relating to the philosophical study of beauty and taste.

  • "The aesthetical qualities of the painting were discussed in detail."

• Affable: Friendly, good-natured, or easy to talk to.

  • "He was an affable host."

• Affected: Artificial, pretentious, and designed to impress.

  • "She had an affected manner of speaking."

• Affecting: Moving; touching.

  • "The story was very affecting."

• Affectionate: Readily feeling or showing fondness or tenderness.

  • "She is a very affectionate person."

• Affianced: Engaged to be married.

  • "They are affianced and plan to marry next year."

• Affiliated: Officially attached or connected to an organization.

  • "The school is affiliated with a major university."

• Affine: Related by an affine transformation.

  • "Affine geometry is a branch of geometry that deals with properties and invariants of geometric figures under affine transformations."

• Affirmative: Expressing agreement or consent.

  • "She gave an affirmative answer."

• Afflicted: Suffering or affected by something painful or distressing.

  • "He was afflicted with a chronic illness."

• Affluent: Having a great deal of money; wealthy.

  • "They lived in an affluent neighborhood."

• Affordable: Not too expensive; within one's financial means.

  • "The apartment was affordable."

• Afraid: Feeling fear or apprehension; frightened.

  • "She was afraid of the dark."

• African: Relating to Africa or its people.

  • "African art is diverse and vibrant."

• Afrikaner: Relating to Afrikaners or their language.

  • "Afrikaner culture has its roots in Dutch and other European traditions."

• After: Following in time or order.

  • "The after effects of the storm were devastating."

• Aftermost: Nearest the stern of a ship.

  • "The aftermost cabin was reserved for the captain."

• Afterward: At a later time.

  • "The party was great, and the afterward stories were even better."

• Agape: With the mouth wide open in surprise or wonder.

  • "They stood agape at the sight of the Grand Canyon."

• Agate: Resembling agate in color or appearance.

  • "She had agate eyes."

• Aged: Having grown old; of a certain age.

  • "The aged oak tree stood as a symbol of resilience."

• Ageing: Growing old.

  • "Ageing skin requires special care."

• Ageless: Not growing old or showing the effects of age.

  • "She had an ageless beauty."

• Agential: Relating to agency or action.

  • "The agential role of individuals in shaping their own lives is a central theme in social theory."

• Aggravated: Made worse or more severe.

  • "His injury was aggravated by exercise."

• Aggravating: Annoying; irritating.

  • "His behavior was very aggravating."

• Aggregate: Formed or calculated by the combination of many separate units or items.

  • "The aggregate score was calculated by adding up all the individual scores."

• Aggressive: Ready or likely to attack or confront; pursuing one's aims forcefully.

  • "He was an aggressive salesman."

• Aggrieved: Feeling resentment at having been unfairly treated.

  • "He felt aggrieved at being passed over for promotion."

• Aghast: Filled with horror or shock.

  • "She was aghast at the news of the accident."

• Agile: Able to move quickly and easily.

  • "The agile gymnast performed incredible feats."

• Aging: The process of growing old.

• "He used aging paper to create an antique map."

• Agitated: Feeling or appearing troubled or nervous.

  • "She was agitated by the delay."

• Agonizing: Causing great physical or mental suffering.

  • "He went through an agonizing recovery after the surgery."

• Agrarian: Relating to cultivated land or the cultivation of land.

  • "The country has a largely agrarian economy."

• Agreeable: Pleasant; willing to agree.

  • "The weather was agreeable."
  • "She was agreeable to the proposal."

• Agreed: Having the same opinion about something; accepted.

  • "It was an agreed plan."

• Agricultural: Relating to agriculture or farming.

  • "The region is known for its agricultural production."

• Agrobiological: Relating to the study of the biological aspects of agriculture.

  • "Agrobiological research is crucial for developing sustainable farming practices."

• Agroecological: Relating to the study of agroecology.

  • "Agroecological farming systems promote biodiversity and soil health."

• Aground: (Of a ship) unable to move because it has touched the bottom.

  • "The ship ran aground during the storm."

• Ahead: Situated further forward than someone or something else; in advance.

  • "The company is ahead of its competitors."

• Ahearn: Located at the stern of a vessel.

  • "The ahearn lights helped to identify the boat."

• Ahistorical: Lacking historical perspective or context.

  • "His interpretation of the events was ahistorical."

• Ailing: In poor health; unwell.

  • "He was caring for his ailing mother."

• Aimless: Without a goal or purpose.

  • "He wandered around the city in an aimless fashion."

• Air: Of or relating to the air or atmosphere.

  • "The air quality was poor due to pollution."

• Airborne: Carried in the air.

  • "The seeds were airborne."

• Aired: Having been exposed to air.

  • "The aired linens smelled fresh."

• Airless: Lacking fresh air; stuffy.

  • "The room was airless and uncomfortable."

• Airtight: Impermeable to air.

  • "The container was airtight."

• Airy: Open to the air; spacious; lighthearted.

  • "The room had an airy feel."
  • "She had an airy personality."

• Ajar: Slightly open.

  • "The door was left ajar."

• Alarmed: Feeling or showing anxiety or fear.

  • "She was alarmed by the loud noise."

• Alarming: Causing alarm or fear.

  • "The report contained some alarming statistics."

• Albanian: Relating to Albania or its people.

  • "She speaks Albanian fluently."

• Albeit: Although.

  • "The journey was long, albeit enjoyable."

• Albinistic: Showing characteristics of albinism.

  • "The albinistic deer stood out in the forest."

• Albino: Having a congenital absence of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes.

  • "An albino rabbit hopped across the field."

• Alchemic: Relating to alchemy.

  • "The alchemic symbols were mysterious."

• Alcoholic: Containing alcohol; suffering from alcoholism.

  • "Alcoholic beverages should be consumed in moderation."
  • "He was a recovering alcoholic."

• Alert: Quick to notice any unusual and potentially dangerous or difficult circumstances; vigilant.

  • "The dog was alert to any intruders."

• Alerted: Having been warned of danger or a problem.

  • "They were alerted to the possibility of a storm."

• Alexandrine: (Of a verse of poetry) having twelve syllables.

  • "The alexandrine verse has a stately rhythm."

• Algal: Relating to algae.

  • "Algal blooms can be harmful to the environment."

• Algebraic: Relating to algebra.

  • "The equation was solved using algebraic methods."

• Algerian: Relating to Algeria or its people.

  • "She is a citizen of Algerian descent."

• Alias: Otherwise called.

  • "He used an alias to conceal his identity."

• Alibi: (Of a person) claiming to have been elsewhere when a crime was committed.

  • "He had an alibi for the night of the murder."

• Alien: Belonging to a foreign country or nation; unfamiliar and disturbing or distasteful.

  • "She is an alien resident of the country."
  • "The concept was alien to him."

• Alienated: Experiencing or creating feelings of isolation or estrangement.

  • "He felt alienated from his peers."

• Alike: Similar; in a similar way.

  • "The twins looked very alike."

• Alimentary: Relating to nourishment or sustenance.

  • "The alimentary canal is responsible for digestion."

• Aliphatic: Relating to or denoting organic compounds in which carbon atoms form open chains.

  • "Aliphatic hydrocarbons are used in fuels and solvents."

• Alive: Living; not dead.

  • "The plant is still alive."

• Alkaline: Having a pH greater than 7.

  • "Alkaline batteries are commonly used in electronic devices."

• All: Used to refer to the whole quantity or extent of something.

  • "All the students passed the exam."

• All-around: Versatile; competent in many areas.

  • "He is an all-around athlete."

• All-consuming: Completely absorbing; dominating.

  • "His passion for music was all-consuming."

• All-encompassing: Including everything; comprehensive.

  • "The book provides an all-encompassing overview of the subject."

• All-important: Of the greatest importance.

  • "Safety is all-important."

• All-inclusive: Including all services, expenses, or items.

  • "The resort offers an all-inclusive package."

• All-out: Using all one's resources or energies.

  • "He made an all-out effort to win the race."

• All-powerful: Having unlimited power.

  • "The king was all-powerful."

• All-purpose: Suitable for many purposes.

  • "The tool is an all-purpose gadget."

• All-star: Consisting entirely of star performers.

  • "The team was an all-star lineup."

• All-weather: Suitable for use in all types of weather.

  • "The jacket is all-weather."

• Alleged: Said, without proof, to have taken place or to have a specified attribute.

  • "The alleged crime took place last night."

• Allegiant: Loyal to a person, country, or cause.

  • "He was allegiant to his king."

• Allergic: Having an allergy.

  • "She is allergic to peanuts."

• Alleviated: Made less severe.

  • "The pain was alleviated by the medication."

• Alleviative: Providing relief; soothing.

  • "The balm had an alleviative effect on the burn."

• Allied: Joined by or relating to an alliance.

  • "The allied forces fought together."

• Allocated: Distributed for a particular purpose.

  • "Funds were allocated to the project."

• Allopathic: Relating to or denoting a system of medicine that aims to combat disease by using remedies which produce effects different from those of the disease.

  • "Allopathic medicine is the conventional system of medical practice."

• Allotted: Given as a share or task.

  • "He had an allotted time slot."

• Allowable: Permitted; not forbidden.

  • "The expenses were allowable under the policy."

• Allowed: Permitted.

  • "Smoking is not allowed in this building."

• Alloy: Made of metal alloy.

  • "She wore an alloy ring."

• Alluring: Powerfully attractive or charming; tempting.

  • "The prospect of winning the lottery was alluring."

• Allusive: Characterized by indirect reference.

  • "Her writing style was allusive and subtle."

• Alluvial: Relating to or derived from alluvium.

  • "The alluvial soil was fertile."

• Allyl: Containing the allyl group.

  • "Allyl compounds are used in the production of plastics and resins."

• Almond: Resembling the flavor of almonds.

  • "The cake had an almond taste."

• Almost: Nearly; not quite.

  • "He was almost finished with the book."

• Aloof: Not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant.

  • "She remained aloof from the others."

• Alpine: Relating to high mountains.

  • "The alpine scenery was breathtaking."

• Alright: Acceptable, but not outstanding or special.

  • "She did an alright job."

• Also: In addition; too.

  • "He is a doctor and also a writer."

• Alt: Designating an alternative version.

  • "She used an alt account."

• Altered: Changed in character or composition, typically in a comparatively small but significant way.

  • "She has an altered dress."

• Alternate: Occurring in turn; every other.

  • "They worked on alternate days."

• Alternative: Available as another possibility.

  • "They chose an alternative route."

• Alternating: Occurring in turn repeatedly.

  • "They had alternating shifts."

• Alternative: Relating to unconventional or experimental choices.

  • "They explored alternative medicine."

• Althea: Relating to the althea flower.

  • "The althea bush has beautiful blossoms."

• Although: Despite the fact that; even though.

  • "Although it was raining, they went for a walk."

• Altimetric: Relating to the measurement of altitude.

  • "The altimetric data was used to create a topographic map."

• Altissimo: Of the highest pitch.

  • "She sang an altissimo note."

• Altitude: Of great height.

  • "There was altitude sickness."

• Altitudinous: Very high; tall.

  • "The altitudinous mountain peaks were covered in snow."

• Alto: Relatively high in pitch.

  • "He played the alto saxophone."

• Altogether: Completely; totally.

  • "He was altogether exhausted."

• Altrustic: Showing a selfless concern for the well-being of others; unselfish.

  • "He had an altrustic impulse."

• Aluminum: Made of aluminum.

  • "She used an aluminum can."

• Alumnal: Relating to a former student or graduate.

  • "She attended an alumnal reception."

• Always: At all times; on all occasions.

  • "She will always be remembered."

• Amalgamated: Combined or united to form one organization or structure.

  • "The two companies amalgamated."

• Amanous: Gentle; peaceful.

  • "The amanous kitten