Adjectives That Start with N (333 N Adjectives in English)

Last updated on October 14, 2024 by Liam Daniel

In this reference, you will explore various adjectives that start with N. These adjectives cover a wide range of qualities and are organized into several main sections. You’ll find descriptive, positive, negative, personality-related adjectives, and those that describe a person but not personality.

Adjectives that Start with N

Adjectives that Start with N
Adjectives that Start with N – Created by 7ESL

Descriptive Adjectives that Start with N

Below are 100 descriptive adjectives that start with N.

Adjective Example
Nagging His nagging cough kept her up all night.
Naive She was so naive that she believed everything she read online.
Naked The statue was completely naked.
Nameless The painting was by a nameless artist.
Naming The naming ceremony was a beautiful tradition that celebrated the arrival of a new member to the family.
Napoleonic The Napoleonic wars were a series of conflicts fought by France.
Napped The cat loved to snuggle on the napped blanket.
Napping She was caught napping at her desk.
Nappy The baby’s nappy hair was so cute.
Narcissistic He was so narcissistic that he couldn’t stop talking about himself.
Narcoleptic He was unable to drive because of his narcoleptic condition.
Narcotic The patient was given a narcotic to manage his pain.
Narcotizing The boring lecture was narcotizing.
Narrative The book had a compelling narrative.
Narrow The narrow road made it difficult for two cars to pass.
Narrowed The path narrowed as it approached the summit.
Narrowing The narrowing of the river made it difficult to navigate.
Nary There was nary a cloud in the sky.
Nasal He had a nasal voice.
Nascent The nascent industry was full of promise.
Nasty The food had a nasty taste.
Natal The natal day is a celebration of someone’s birthday.
National The national anthem is played before every game.
Nationalist The nationalist party won the election.
Nationalistic His nationalistic views were controversial.
Nationwide The company had a nationwide advertising campaign.
Native She was a native New Yorker.
Nativist His nativist views were controversial.
Nativistic The nativistic party had a strict immigration policy.
Natural The waterfall was a natural wonder.
Naturalized He was naturalized as a US citizen.
Naughty The child was being naughty and wouldn’t listen.
Nauseated The boat ride left her feeling nauseated.
Nauseating The smell was nauseating.
Nauseous He felt nauseous after eating the bad seafood.
Nautical The nautical chart showed the ocean depths.
Naval The naval base was heavily guarded.
Navigable The river was navigable all the way to the ocean.
Navigational The plane had advanced navigational equipment.
Nazi The Nazi regime was responsible for the Holocaust.
Neanderthal The Neanderthal skull was on display in the museum.
Neapolitan The pizza had a Neapolitan crust.
Nearby The store was nearby.
Nearsighted He needed glasses because he was nearsighted.
Neat The kitchen was always neat and clean.
Nebular The nebular theory explains how the solar system formed.
Nebulose The nebulous sky obscured the stars.
Nebulous The concept was nebulous and difficult to understand.
Neckless The wrestler had a neckless build.
Nectarous The nectarous fruit was a delight.
Needed The supplies were urgently needed.
Needful The needful repairs were made to the building.
Needled The athlete was constantly needled by the opposing team.
Needy The homeless man was in a needy situation.
Negative The negative response was disappointing.
Neglectful The neglectful parent was reported to child services.
Negligent The negligent driver caused the accident.
Neighboring The neighboring towns were close in proximity.
Neither Neither option was appealing.
Neoclassical The neoclassical building was inspired by ancient Greek temples.
Nepali The Nepali restaurant served delicious traditional dishes.
Nerveless The nerveless tissue was used for scientific research.
Nervous The nervous dog barked at any sudden sound.
Nestled The cottage was nestled in the woods.
Net The net effect of the new policy was unclear.
Netlike The netlike pattern of veins in the leaves was beautiful.
Nettlesome The nettlesome problem required immediate attention.
Neurological The neurological disorder affected the patient’s motor skills.
Neuronic The neuronic network in the brain was complex.
Neurotic The neurotic patient constantly worried about her health.
Neuter The neuter pronoun “they” is often used to refer to a person of unknown gender.
Neutral The mediator remained neutral during the negotiation.
New The new product was a hit with customers.
Newborn The newborn baby slept peacefully in her crib.
Next The next chapter of the book was full of surprises.
Nice The weather was nice for a picnic.
Nine The clock struck nine times.
Ninety The speed limit was ninety kilometers per hour.
Nodular The nodular growth was concerning.
Nomadic The nomadic tribe traveled across the desert.
Nominal The nominal leader had no real power.
Normal The normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
Normative The normative guidelines provided a framework for decision-making.
North The North Pole is located at the northernmost point on Earth.
Northerly The northerly wind brought cold temperatures.
Nosy The nosy neighbor always peeked through the curtains.
Notorious The notorious criminal was finally apprehended.
Nourishing The nourishing meal satisfied the hunger of the weary travelers.
Noxious The noxious fumes from the factory made the air unsafe to breathe.
Nuclear The nuclear power plant was shut down due to safety concerns.
Nullified The agreement was nullified by a technicality.
Numberless The numberless stars in the sky were awe-inspiring.
Numbing The numbing cold made it difficult to move.
Numerous The numerous complaints were a sign of widespread dissatisfaction.
Nursed The nursed patient was on the road to recovery.

Positive Adjectives that Start with N

Below are 45 adjectives that start with N that indicate something positive.

Adjective Example
Nascent The nascent startup showed a lot of potential.
National The national flag represents our country’s identity.
Nationwide The store chain has a nationwide presence.
Navigable The river was deep and navigable.
Nearby The grocery store is nearby, we can walk there.
Neat The hotel room was neat and well-maintained.
Neatest Among all the participants, she had the neatest handwriting.
Necessary Oxygen is necessary for human survival.
Needed The project needed more research before it could be presented.
Negotiable The terms of the contract are negotiable.
Neighborly Our neighbor always lends a helping hand, he’s very neighborly.
Neoteric The museum had an exhibit of neoteric art.
Nestling The mother bird fed her nestlings.
Never-failing Her grandmother’s advice was a never-failing source of wisdom.
New I bought a new phone yesterday.
Newborn The newborn baby was sleeping soundly.
Newfangled He didn’t like the newfangled computer system.
Nice The weather today is really nice.
Nicer The soup I had yesterday was nice, but this one is even nicer.
Nicest This restaurant has the nicest atmosphere.
Nifty That’s a nifty little gadget you have there.
Nimble The cat was nimble and agile.
Nitid The diamond had a nitid sparkle.
Noble She had a noble character and always stood up for what she believed in.
Noetic The philosopher’s writings were highly noetic.
Noiseless The new vacuum cleaner is virtually noiseless.
Nonchalant He was nonchalant about the outcome of the game.
Nonpareil She was a nonpareil athlete, breaking all the records.
Nontoxic The cleaning solution is nontoxic and safe to use.
Nonviolent Mahatma Gandhi advocated for nonviolent resistance.
Normal It’s normal to feel nervous before a big presentation.
Normative The dress code at the office was normative.
Notable The singer gave a notable performance at the concert.
Notably The movie was notably successful at the box office.
Noted The author was a noted expert in the field of psychology.
Noteworthy His achievements were noteworthy and impressive.
Nourished The community was nourished by the local food bank.
Novel The novel idea was met with great enthusiasm.
Now I am now studying for my exams.
Nubile The fashion industry often uses nubile models in their advertisements.
Numinous The ancient temple had a numinous atmosphere.
Nurturing The nurturing environment of the school helped the children thrive.
Nutrimental The smoothie was nutrimental, with a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Nutritious The salad was nutritious, with a variety of vegetables and lean protein.
Nutritive The milk was nutritive, containing calcium and other essential nutrients.

Negative Adjectives that Start with N

Related: Negative Adjectives

Below are 50 adjective words that start N that indicate something negative.

Adjective Definition
Nagging Persistently annoying or critical
Naive Lacking experience or judgment, often in a negative way
Nameless Without a name, anonymous
Narcissistic Excessively self-centered or self-involved
Narrow Limited in scope, range, or perspective
Narrowing Becoming narrower or more limited
Nary Scarcely, rarely
Nasty Unpleasant, offensive, or repulsive
Nauseating Causing nausea or disgust
Nauseous Feeling sick or queasy
Nazi Relating to or characterized by extreme authoritarianism or intolerance
Neanderthal Primitive or uncivilized
Nearsighted Unable to see things clearly unless they are close to the eyes
Nebulous Vague, unclear, or ill-defined
Necrotic Dead or decaying, often used in medical contexts
Needed Lacking, required, or necessary
Needful Essential, necessary, or required
Needy Dependent, demanding, or requiring too much attention
Nefarious Wicked or criminal, often referring to actions or intentions
Negative Expressing or implying the opposite of something
Neglected Ignored or not given proper attention or care
Neglectful Failing to take proper care or give proper attention
Negligent Careless or irresponsible, often referring to actions or behavior
Negligible So small or unimportant as to be not worth considering
Neither Not one thing or the other, often used to describe something that is ambiguous or indefinite
Nervous Anxious or easily agitated
Nervy Bold or daring, often in a negative way
Neurotic Suffering from or relating to neurosis, a type of mental disorder
Neurotoxic Poisonous or damaging to the nervous system
Niggling Minor or insignificant, often used to describe complaints or problems
Nightmarish Frightening or unpleasant, often used to describe experiences or situations
Nippy Cold or chilly
Noisy Loud, disruptive, or annoyingly distracting
Nonabsorbent Not able to absorb liquid or moisture
Nonaligned Not allied with or committed to any particular group or ideology
Noncivilized Not civilized, often used to describe people or societies that are considered primitive or uncivilized
Noncomprehensive Not complete or thorough, often referring to information or knowledge
Nonconforming Not following established norms or standards, often used to describe behavior or attitudes
None Not any, not existing, or not applicable
Nonequivalent Not equivalent or interchangeable
Nonessential Not necessary or required
Nonexistent Not existing or not real
Nonproductive Not producing any useful or desirable results
Nonsense Absurd or meaningless
Notorious Famous or well-known, often for something negative or undesirable
Nubby Rough or uneven in texture
Null Without value or effect, invalid
Nuts Crazy or insane
Nutty Eccentric or unconventional, often in a negative way

Personality Adjectives that Start with N

Below are 25 adjectives that start with N that describe a personality.

Adjective Meaning
Naïve Lacking experience and understanding of the world
Narcissistic Excessively self-absorbed and egotistical
Nasty Disgusting or unpleasant in taste, smell, or appearance
Naughty Behaving badly or disobediently
Nefarious Wicked or criminal in nature
Negative Expressing or implying negation or denial
Neglectful Failing to take proper care or give attention to something
Nervous Anxious, worried or easily agitated
Nervy Bold or daring in a disrespectful way
Nettled Irritated or annoyed
Nettlesome Causing annoyance or difficulty
Neurotic Overly anxious or obsessive
Neutral Having no particular attitude, opinion or bias
Nice Pleasant, kind or friendly
Nifty Clever, neat or stylish
Nonaggressive Not inclined to attack or be aggressive
Nonchalant Casually indifferent or unconcerned
Noncompliant Refusing to follow rules or orders
Nonconforming Failing to comply with established norms or standards
Nonplused Surprised, confused or bewildered
Nonsensical Lacking sense or meaning
Nosy Inquisitive in a bothersome or intrusive way
Noxious Harmful or poisonous
Nutty Eccentric or crazy

Adjectives that Start with N to Describe a Person (not Personality)

Below are 45 adjectives that start with N that describe a person.

Adjective Meaning
Naked Without clothing or cover; exposed
Nameless Having no name or unknown name; anonymous
Narrow Having a small width in proportion to length; limited in scope or outlook
Nasal Pertaining to the nose; characterized by resonance in the nose when speaking or singing
Nasty Disgusting or unpleasant; mean-spirited or malicious
Native Belonging to a particular place or region by birth or origin; inherent or innate
Naughty Mischievous or disobedient; suggestive or indecent
Nauseated Feeling sick to the stomach; experiencing nausea or discomfort
Nauseous Causing nausea or discomfort; revolting or disgusting
Neandertal/Neanderthal Relating to or resembling the extinct human species that lived during the Pleistocene epoch
Nearsighted Unable to see things clearly at a distance; shortsighted
Neat Clean and tidy; skillful or clever
Needy Lacking the necessities of life; wanting affection or attention
Neglected Abandoned or uncared for; disregarded or forgotten
Negligent Failing to take proper care; careless or irresponsible
Neighborly Friendly and helpful towards one’s neighbors; characteristic of a good neighbor
Nepalese/Nepali Relating to or from Nepal or its people
Nerdy Overly intellectual or studious; awkward or socially inept
New Recently made or brought into existence; fresh or unfamiliar
Newest Most recent or latest in time; modern or up-to-date
Next Coming immediately after; following in sequence or order
Next-door Adjacent or neighboring; situated in the next house or apartment
Nigerian Relating to or from Nigeria or its people
Nimble Quick and light in movement or action; agile or graceful
Noble Possessing high moral principles or ideals; having superior qualities or characteristics
Noisome Offensive to the senses; foul-smelling or noxious
Noisy Making a lot of noise; loud or disruptive
Noncommittal Refusing to take a position or make a commitment; evasive or indecisive
Noncompetitive Not involving or promoting competition; cooperative or collaborative
Nondescript Lacking distinctive or interesting qualities; unremarkable or ordinary
Nonpartisan Not affiliated with or supporting any particular political party or group
Nonproductive Not producing a desired outcome; unproductive or futile
Normal Conforming to a standard or norm; typical or usual
Norse Relating to or from Scandinavia or its people; pertaining to Norse mythology
Norwegian Relating to or from Norway or its people
Notable Worthy of attention or notice; significant or remarkable
Noteworthy Deserving of attention or notice; noteworthy or remarkable
Noticeable Easily seen or noticed; conspicuous or prominent
Notorious Widely known for a negative quality or deed; infamous or disreputable
Novel New or unusual; innovative or original
Nude Without clothing or cover; unclothed
Numb Deprived of physical sensation; unable to feel or respond emotionally
Numerous Existing in great quantity or number; many or abundant

The Prefix “Non”

The prefix “non” can be added to many types of words, including adjectives and verbs. It is generally used to negate the action, expressive absence, or (especially when added to verbs to form adjectives), mean not causing or requiring. In some cases, a hyphen will be used, and in some cases, it will not. For example, “aligned” can become “nonaligned” or “non-aligned.”

Other examples are:

Adjective Meaning
Non-alcoholic Not containing alcohol; suitable for those who do not consume alcohol
Non-binding Not legally or morally binding; not mandatory
Non-concluding Not bringing to a conclusion or an end; inconclusive
Noncontagious Not capable of being transmitted from one person to another; not infectious
Noncontributing Not contributing or adding to a particular outcome or result
Non-dairy Not containing milk or milk products; suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan
Nondescript Lacking distinctive or interesting qualities; unremarkable or ordinary
Noneffective Not producing a desired effect or outcome
Nonelectrical Not involving or relating to electricity
Nonexistent Not existing or being in existence; imaginary or illusory
Non-negotiable Not open to discussion or modification; not able to be negotiated
Non-prescription Not requiring a prescription from a doctor; available over-the-counter
Non-recurring Not occurring again; happening only once
Non-refundable Not able to be refunded or returned for money; irreversible
Non-restrictive Not limiting or confining; allowing freedom of movement or action
Nonsensical Lacking sense or meaning; absurd or ridiculous
Non-slip Resistant to slipping or skidding; providing secure footing
Non-smoking Prohibiting or not allowing smoking; suitable for those who do not smoke
Nontoxic Not harmful or poisonous; safe for human use or consumption
Non-traditional Departing from or not conforming to traditional or established norms or practices
Non-union Not belonging to or associated with a labor union
Nonverbal Not involving or using words; communicated without speech or language

In casual writing, the hyphen may or may not be included (whether grammatically proper or improper).

N Adjectives Image

N Adjectives
N Adjectives – Created by 7ESL

List of Adjectives that Start with N

Adjectives that Start with Na

  • Nacreous
  • Naevoid
  • Naevose
  • Naggy
  • Naive
  • Naked
  • Namable
  • Namaste
  • Namaycush
  • Namby-pamby
  • Nameless
  • Namibian
  • Napless
  • Napoleonic
  • Napped
  • Nappy
  • Narcissine
  • Narcissistic
  • Narcoleptic
  • Narcotic
  • Narcotical
  • Narial
  • Narrable
  • Narrative
  • Narratory
  • Narre
  • Narrow
  • Nasal
  • Nasicornous
  • Nasiform
  • Nasobuccal
  • Nasofrontal
  • Nasolachrymal
  • Nasopalatal
  • Nasoseptal
  • Nasoturbinal
  • Nasty
  • Natal
  • Natalitial
  • Natalitious
  • Natatorial
  • Natatorious
  • Natatory
  • Naticoid
  • National
  • Nationwide
  • Natural
  • Naturalistic
  • Natureless
  • Naturistic
  • Naufragous
  • Naughty
  • Nauruan
  • Nauseative
  • Nauseous
  • Nautic
  • Nautical
  • Nautiloid
  • Naval
  • Navarrese
  • Navicular
  • Navigable
  • Navigational
  • Navigerous
  • Navy
  • Nazarene
  • Nazaritic

Adjectives that Start with Ne

  • Nearby
  • Nearctic
  • Nebulous
  • Nebuly
  • Necessary
  • Neckless
  • Necklike
  • Necrobiotic
  • Necrologic
  • Necrological
  • Necromantical
  • Necrophagous
  • Necroscopical
  • Nectareous
  • Nectarial
  • Nectariferous
  • Nectarous
  • Needful
  • Needlelike
  • Needless
  • Nefarious
  • Nefast
  • Negative
  • Neglectful
  • Neglective
  • Negligible
  • Negotiable
  • Negotious
  • Negritic
  • Negro
  • Negroid
  • Negroloid
  • Nemoral
  • Nemorous
  • Neologic
  • Neological
  • Neologistic
  • Neologistical
  • Neotenous
  • Neoterical
  • Neotropical
  • Nephridial
  • Nephritical
  • Nepotal
  • Nervous
  • Neural
  • Neurapophysial
  • Neurologic
  • Neurological
  • Neuromatous
  • Neuromotor
  • Neuromuscular
  • Neuropathic
  • Neuropodous
  • Neuropsychiatric
  • Neuropsychological
  • Neuropterous
  • Neurotomical
  • Neurotoxic
  • New
  • Newbie
  • Newborn
  • Newish
  • Newsworthy
  • Nexible

Adjectives that Start with Ni

  • Nice
  • Nickelic
  • Nickeliferous
  • Nickelous
  • Nidicolous
  • Nidifugous
  • Nidorous
  • Niggardous
  • Nightertale
  • Nimbiferous
  • Nimble
  • Nimious
  • Nitriferous
  • Nitrogenous
  • Nitrohydrochloric
  • Nitrolic
  • Nitromuriatic
  • Nitroprussic
  • Nitrosalicylic
  • Nitrose
  • Nitrosylic
  • Nitrous
  • Nitry
  • Nitty
  • Nitwitted
  • Nival
  • Niveous

Adjectives that Start with No

  • Nociceptive
  • Nocive
  • Noctivagous
  • Noctuid
  • Nocturnal
  • Nocuous
  • Nodical
  • Nodous
  • Nodulous
  • Noematic
  • Noematical
  • Noetical
  • Noiseless
  • Noisome
  • Noisy
  • Nomad
  • Nomadic
  • Nomenclatural
  • Nomic
  • Nominal
  • Nominalistic
  • Nominated
  • Nominatival
  • Nominative
  • Nomopelmous
  • Nomothetic
  • Nomothetical
  • Nonabrasive
  • Nonabsorptive
  • Nonadaptive
  • Nonaddictive
  • Nonadhesive
  • Nonadsorptive
  • Nonaerobiotic
  • Nonagesimal
  • Nonappointive
  • Nonarbitrable
  • Nonassertive
  • Nonassociative
  • Nonautonomous
  • Noncausal
  • Noncausative
  • Noncellular
  • Noncollapsable
  • Noncollapsible
  • Noncombinative
  • Noncombustible
  • Noncommercial
  • Noncommittal
  • Noncommunicable
  • Noncompetitive
  • Noncondensible
  • Nonconductive
  • Nonconscious
  • Nonconsecutive
  • Noncontagious
  • Noncontroversial
  • Noncooperative
  • Noncritical
  • Noncrucial
  • Noncyclical
  • Nondeductible
  • Nondestructive
  • Nondigestible
  • Nondisposable
  • Nonelective
  • Nonelectrical
  • Nonexclusive
  • Nonfictional
  • Nonfinancial
  • Nonfissile
  • Nonfissionable
  • Nonflammable
  • Nonfunctional
  • Nonglutinous
  • Nongregarious
  • Nonheritable
  • Nonhierarchical
  • Nonimitative
  • Nonindustrial
  • Noninfectious
  • Noninheritable
  • Nonintellectual
  • Noninvasive
  • Nonlegal
  • Nonmaterial
  • Nonmodern
  • Nonmusical
  • Nonnative
  • Nonnatural
  • Nonnegative
  • Nonnegotiable
  • Nonnitrognous
  • Nonnormative
  • Nonobjective
  • Nonoxygenous
  • Nonpersonal
  • Nonpolitical
  • Nonporous
  • Nonprofit
  • Nonprognosticative
  • Nonprogressive
  • Nonrefundable
  • Nonrenewable
  • Nonrepetitive
  • Nonrepresentative
  • Nonresidential
  • Nonresinous
  • Nonrestrictive
  • Nonretractable
  • Nonretractile
  • Nonreturnable
  • Nonreversible
  • Nonsegmental
  • Nonsegregated
  • Nonsense
  • Nonsensical
  • Nonsensitive
  • Nonsexual
  • Nonsocial
  • Nonspatial
  • Nonspeaking
  • Nonspecific
  • Nonspherical
  • Nonstructural
  • Nonsubjective
  • Nonsubmergible
  • Nonsubmersible
  • Nonsubmissive
  • Nonsuppurative
  • Nonsurgical
  • Nonsweet
  • Nonsyllabic
  • Nonthermal
  • Nontraditional
  • Nonviable
  • Normal
  • Normative
  • Nosocomial
  • Nosohusial
  • Nosological
  • Nosopoetic
  • Nostalgic
  • Noteful
  • Noteless
  • Noteworthy
  • Noticeable
  • Notifiable
  • Notional
  • Nourishable
  • Nourished
  • Noxious

Adjectives that Start with Nu, Ny

  • Nubiferous
  • Nubigenous
  • Nubilous
  • Nuciferous
  • Nude
  • Numberless
  • Numerable
  • Numeral
  • Numerative
  • Numerical
  • Numerological
  • Numerous
  • Numinous
  • Numismatic
  • Numismatical
  • Nuncupative
  • Nutritionary
  • Nutritious
  • Nutritive
  • Nymphal
  • Nymphical
  • Nymphiparous
Adjectives that Start with N
Adjectives that Start with N – Created by 7ESL

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