550 Adjectives That Start with N | List with Definitions and Examples

Adjectives that start with N are indispensable in daily conversation and formal letters. So if you want to improve your English and expand vocabulary, these adjectives starting with N are definitely worth reading.

Adjectives are one of the four major word classes, along with nouns, verbs and adverbs. They modify or describe features and qualities of people, animals and things. Examples of adjectives beginning with N are: nice, noble, no, naughty.

That’s a nice house.

He’s a noble person.
There is no dog on the street.
She is a naughty girl.

You can see after adding descriptive words that start with N in sentences above, features and qualities of nouns immediately come into our mind.

So let’s get started to learn with list of adjectives that start with N.

Table of Contents

Adjectives That Start with N – Full List (550 words)

We are not sure if this is the largest list, but most likely all the adjectives starting with N you’ll ever need can be found below. Check it for yourself and see if you want to add any more N adjectives.

Nacreous
Naiant

Naif
Naive
Naked
Nameless

Namibian
Nanocephalic
Napoleonic
Nappy
Narcissistic

Narcoleptic
Narcotic
Narcotising
Narcotized
Narcotizing
Narial
Narrative
Narrow
Narrow-bodied
Narrow-minded

Nary
Nasal
Nascent
Nasopharyngeal
Nasty
Natal
National
Nationalist
Nationalistic
Nationwide

Native
Nativist
Nativistic
Natriuretic
Natty
Natural
Naturalistic
Naturistic
Naughty
Nauruan

Nauseating
Nauseous
Nautical
Naval
Navicular
Navigable
Navy-blue
Nazarene
Nazi
Neandertal

Neanderthal
Neanderthalian
Neapolitan
Near
Nearby
Nearsighted
Neat
Nebular
Nebulose
Nebulous

Necessary
Necessitous
Neck-deep
Neckless
Necklike
Necromantical
Nectariferous
Nectarous
Nee
Needful

Needlelike
Needless
Needy
Nefarious
Negative
Neglected
Neglectful
Negligent
Negligible
Negotiable

Negro
Neighboring
Neighborly
Neighbourly
Neither
Neo
Neoclassic
Neocortical
Neoliberal
Neolithic

Neonatal
Neoplastic
Neotenic
Neotenous
Nepalese
Nepali
Nephritic
Nephrotoxic
Neritic
Nerveless

Nervous
Nervy
Nescient
Nestorian
Net
Nether
Nethermost
Netlike
Nett
Netted

Nettlesome
Networklike
Neural
Neuralgic
Neurasthenic
Neuroanatomic
Neurobiological
Neuroendocrine
Neurogenic
Neuroglial

Neurologic
Neurological
Neuromatous
Neuromotor
Neuromuscular
Neuronal
Neuronic
Neurotic
Neurotropic
Neuter

Neutral
Never-ending
New
Newborn
Newfangled

Newfound
Newsworthy
Newtonian
Next
Nibbed

Nicaean
Nicaraguan
Nice

Nicene
Nidicolous
Nidifugous

Niffy
Nifty
Nigerian
Nigerien
Nigh
Nighted
Nightlong
Nightly
Nightmarish
Nihilistic
Nilotic
Nilpotent
Nimble
Nimble-minded
Nipponese
Nippy
Nisi
Nitid
Nitric
Nitwitted
Noachian
Noble
Nocent
Nociceptive
Noctilucent
Nocturnal
Nodular
Nodulated
Noduled
Nodulose
Noetic
No-frills
Noiseless
Noisome
Noisy
Nomadic
Nominal
Nominalistic
Nominative
Nomothetic
Nonabrasive
Nonabsorbent
Nonabsorptive
Nonadaptive
Nonaddictive
Nonadhesive
Nonadjacent
Nonadsorbent
Nonadsorptive
Nonaged
Nonagenarian
Nonaggressive
Non-aggressive
Nonalcoholic
Nonaligned
Nonappointive
Nonarbitrable
Nonarbitrary
Nonarboreal
Nonassertive
Nonassociative
Nonastringent
Nonautonomous
Nonbearing
Nonbelligerent
Noncaloric
Noncarbonated
Noncausal
Noncausative
Noncellular
Nonchalant
Nonchristian
Nonchurchgoing
Noncivilized
Nonclassical
Noncollapsable
Noncollapsible
Noncolumned
Noncombatant
Noncombinative
Noncombining
Noncombustible
Noncommercial
Noncommissioned
Noncommittal
Noncommunicable
Noncompetitive
Noncompliant
Noncomprehensive
Nonconcentric
Nonconducting
Nonconductive
Nonconforming
Nonconformist
Nonconscious
Nonconsecutive
Noncontagious
Noncontentious
Noncontinuous
Noncontroversial
Nonconvergent
Noncritical
Noncrucial
Noncrystalline
Noncurrent
Noncyclic
Noncyclical
Nondeductible
Nondenominational
Nondescript
Nondestructive
Nondigestible
Nondisposable
None
Nonechoic
Noneffervescent
Nonelected
Nonelective
Nonenterprising
Nonenzymatic
Nonequivalent
Nonessential
Nonexclusive
Nonexempt
Nonexistent
Nonexplorative
Nonexploratory
Nonexplosive
Nonextant
Nonextensile
Nonfat
Nonfatal
Nonfictional
Nonfigurative
Nonfinancial
Nonfissile
Nonfissionable
Nonflammable
Nonflavored
Nonflavoured
Nonflowering
Nonfunctional
Nonglutinous
Nongranular
Nongregarious
Nonhairy
Nonharmonic
Nonhereditary
Nonheritable
Nonhierarchic
Nonhierarchical
Nonhuman
Nonimitative
Nonimmune
Nonindulgent
Nonindustrial
Noninfectious
Noninflammatory
Noninheritable
Noninstitutional
Noninstitutionalized
Nonintegrated
Nonintellectual
Noninterchangeable
Nonintersecting
Noninvasive
Nonionic
Nonionized
Nonjudgmental
Nonkosher
Nonleaded
Nonlegal
Nonlethal
Nonlexical
Nonlinear
Nonlinguistic
Nonliteral
Nonliterary
Nonliterate
Nonliving
Nonmagnetic
Nonmandatory
Nonmaterial
Nonmeaningful
Nonmechanical
Nonmechanistic
Nonmedicinal
Nonmetal
Nonmetallic
Nonmetamorphic
Nonmigratory
Nonmilitary
Nonmodern
Nonmonotonic
Nonmotile
Nonmoving
Nonmusical
Nonnative
Nonnatural
Nonnegative
Nonnegotiable
Nonnomadic
Nonnormative
Nonobjective
Nonobligatory
Nonobservant
No-nonsense
Nonopening
Nonoperational
Nonoscillatory
Nonparallel
Nonparametric
Nonparasitic
Nonpareil
Nonparticulate
Nonpartisan
Nonpartizan
Nonpasserine
Nonperiodic
Nonpersonal
Nonphotosynthetic
Nonphysical
Nonpoisonous
Nonpolar
Nonpolitical
Nonporous
Nonpregnant
Nonprehensile
Nonprescription
Nonproductive
Nonprofessional
Nonprofit
Nonprognosticative
Nonprogressive
Nonproprietary
Nonprotractile
Nonpsychoactive
Nonpublic
Nonpurulent
Nonracial
Nonracist
Nonradioactive
Nonrandom
Nonrational
Nonreciprocal
Nonreciprocating
Nonrecreational
Nonreflecting
Nonreflective
Nonrefundable
Nonrenewable
Nonrepetitive
Nonrepresentative
Nonresident
Nonresidential
Nonresilient
Nonresinous
Nonresiny
Nonresistant
Nonresonant
Non-responsive
Nonrestrictive
Nonreticulate
Nonretractable
Nonretractile
Nonreturnable
Non-returnable
Nonreversible
Nonrhythmic
Nonrigid
Nonruminant
Nonsectarian
Nonsegmental
Nonsegregated
Nonsense
Nonsensical
Nonsensitive
Nonsexual
Nonsignificant
Nonskid
Nonslip
Nonslippery
Nonsocial
Nonsovereign
Nonspatial
Nonspeaking
Nonspecific
Nonspherical
Nonstandard
Nonsteroidal
Nonstick
Nonstop
Nonstructural
Nonsubjective
Nonsubmergible
Nonsubmersible
Nonsuppurative
Nonsurgical
Nonsweet
Nonsyllabic
Nonsymbiotic
Nonsynchronous
Nonsynthetic
Nontaxable
Nontechnical
Nontelescopic
Nontelescoping
Nonterritorial
Nonthermal
Nontoxic
Nontraditional
Nontransferable
Non-transferable
Nontranslational
Nontransmissible
Nonturbulent
Nonuniform
Nonunion
Nonunionized
Nonuple
Nonvenomous
Nonverbal
Nonviable
Nonviolent
Nonviscid
Nonvisual
Nonvolatile
Nonvolatilizable
Nonvoluntary
Nonwashable
Nonwoody
Nordic
Normal
Norman
Normative
Normotensive
Norse
North
Northbound
Northeast
Northeasterly
Northeastern
Northeastward
Northerly
Northern
Northernmost
Northmost
Northward
Northwest
Northwesterly
Northwestern
Northwestward
Norwegian
Noseless
Nosey
Nosocomial
Nosohusial
Nostalgic
Nosy
Notable
Noted
Noteworthy
Noticeable
Noticed
Notifiable
Notional
Notorious
Nourishing
Novel
No-win
Noxious
Nubbly
Nubby
Nubile
Nuclear
Nucleate
Nucleated
Nude
Nugatory
Null
Numb
Numberless
Numbing
Numerable
Numeral
Numerate
Numeric
Numerical
Numerological
Numerous
Numidian
Numinous
Nuptial
Nurtural
Nurturant
Nutbrown
Nutlike
Nutrient
Nutritional
Nutritious
Nutritive
Nutty
Nymphomaniac

Adjectives That Start with N – with Definitions and Examples

If you don’t know how to use these adjectives beginning with N properly, then check the definitions and examples we listed for you.

Naked

Definition: not wearing any clothes

Example: Kate throws a kimono over her naked body.

Nameless

Definition: having no name or no known name

Example: Some pictures were taken by a nameless photograph.

Napoleonic

Definition: of, characteristic of, or like Napoleon 1, his campaigns, period, etc

Example: For years, it was said, French prisoners from the Napoleonic wars had been employed cutting out this path.

Narcissistic

Definition: having too much interest in and admiration for yourself

Example: Narcissistic people have a hard time seeing another person’s point of view.

Narcoleptic

Definition: suffering from or relating to narcolepsy (= a medical condition that makes you go to sleep suddenly)

Example: Few narcoleptic syndromes are reported to be associated with a tumour.

Narcotic

Definition: drugs that relieves pain or induces numbness or sleepiness

Example: The drug has a narcotic effect and will make you feel sleepy.

Narial

Definition: of or relating to the nares

Example: The orbits, narial openings and upper temporal fenestrae are large, and the lower temporal fenestrae are open ventrally.

Narrative

Definition: telling a storing or describing a series of events

Example: You have to supply a narrative thread that allows the audience to make a connection with one or more characters.

Narrow

Definition: limited in extent, amount, or scope

Example: They ate a narrow range of foods.

Narrow-minded

Definition: not willing to accept opinions

Example: She is stingy, narrow-minded and bossy.

Nasal

Definition: of or related to the nose

Example: This medicine is supposed to relieve nasal congestion.

Nascent

Definition: in the earliest stages of development

Example: Everyone in this nascent business is still struggling with basic issues.

Nasopharyngeal

Definition: relating to the nasopharynx (= the upper part of the throat, behind the nose)

Example: Nineteen of the patients had been treated for nasopharyngeal carcinoma was made.

Nasty

Definition: bad or very unpleasant

Example: He had a nasty cut above the eye.

Natal

Definition: relating to the place or time of one’s birth

Example: He was living in the south, many miles from his natal city.

National

Definition: relating to or typical of a whole country and its people, rather than to part of that country or to other countries

Example: Britain has more than ten national newspapers.

Nationalist

Definition: supporting political independence for a group within a nation

Example: His views were those of the nationalist Quebec government.

Nationalistic

Definition: strongly supporting your country or its political independence

Example: A series of nationalistic speeches prepared the country for going to war.

Nationwide

Definition: existing or happening in all parts of a particular country

Example: Some miners are calling for a nationwide strike in support of their sacked colleagues.

Native

Definition: relating to or describing someone’s country or place of birth or someone who was born in a particular country or place

Example: She’s a native Californian.

Nativist

Definition: relating to or supporting the policy of protecting the interests of native-born or established inhabitants against those of immigrants

Example: He has made his nativist beliefs known through his divisive comments about immigrants.

Natty

Definition: stylish and tidy in every detail

Example: He’s always been a natty dresser.

Natural

Definition: existing in or derived from nature; not made or caused by humankind

Example: Carrots contain a natural antiseptic.

Naturalistic

Definition: similar to what exists in nature

Example: Most zoos try to exhibit animals in naturalistic setting.

Natriuretic

Definition: of or relating to natriuresis

Example: Brain natriuretic peptide is a biologically active peptide of 32 amino acids.

Naughty

Definition: (esp. of children) behaving badly and not being obedient, or (esp. of behavior or language) not socially acceptable

Example: You’ve been a very naughty boy!

Nauseating

Definition: causing or liable to cause a feeling of nausea or disgust; disgusting

Example: The stench was nauseating.

Nauseous

Definition: making you feel as if you might vomit

Example: The bride’s mother was wearing a nauseous combination of green and yellow.

Nautical

Definition: relating to ships, sailing, or sailors

Example: The town is proud of its nautical history.

Naval

Definition: belonging to a country’s navy, or relating to military ships

Example: Allegations of sexual harassment have led to disciplinary proceedings being taken against three naval officers.

Navigable

Definition: (of an area of water) deep, wide, or safe enough for a boat to go through

Example: The area has hundreds of miles of navigable waterways.

Navy-blue

Definition: dark blue

Example: It was a navy-blue polo, navy-blue trousers and dark trainers.

Neapolitan

Definition: of, belonging to, or characteristic of Naples, Italy

Example: It was to receive a Neapolitan garrison for a year, and, if necessary, for a longer time.

Near

Definition: only a short time ahead

Example: The conflict is unlikely to be resolved in the near future.

Nearby

Definition: not far away; close

Example: He slung his jacket over a nearby chair.

Neat

Definition: arranged in a tidy way; in good order

Example: The books had been stacked up in neat piles.

Nebular

Definition: relating to a nebula (= a cloud of gas or dust in space, appearing either bright or dark)

Example: The nebular spectrograph was captured by the 200-inch telescope.

Nebulous

Definition: (especially of ideas) not clear and having no form

Example: She has a few nebulous ideas about what she might want to do in the future, but nothing definite.

Necessary

Definition: needed in order to achieve a particular result

Example: He lacks the necessary skills for the job.

Necessitous

Definition: (of a person) lacking the necessities of life; needy

Example: Dried milk was supplied to necessitous mothers.

Needful

Definition: needy

Example: She gave her money away to needful people.

Needlelike

Definition: resembling a needle; sharp, pointed

Example: Even out of flower, it is attractive, with grey-green foliage and needlelike red thorns that contrast with the pale stems.

Needless

Definition: (of something undesirable) not necessary because avoidable

Example: I deplore needless waste.

Needy

Definition: poor or not having enough food, clothes, etc

Example: The proceeds from the sale go to help needy people in the area.

Nefarious

Definition: (especially of activities) morally bad

Example: The company’s CEO seems to have been involved in some nefarious activities.

Negative

Definition: (of a person, attitude, or situation) not desirable or optimistic

Example: The new tax was having a negative effect on car sales.

Neglected

Definition: not receiving enough care or attention

Example: The badly neglected paintings have all been carefully restored.

Negligent

Definition: failing to take proper care over something

Example: The Council had acted in a negligent manner.

Negligible

Definition: too small in amount or degree to be of importance

Example: The economy had begun to crawl out of four years of negligible growth.

Negotiable

Definition: (of a financial product) can be bought and sale

Example: Yamaichi will sell some negotiable securities to raise money.

Neighboring

Definition: neighboring places are next to or near each other

Example: She married a man from a neighboring town.

Neighbourly

Definition: characteristic of a good neighbour, especially in being helpful, friendly, or kind

Example: Shopping for the elderly is a regular feature of neighbourly support.

Neoclassical

Definition: of, relating to, or constituting a revival or adaptation of the classical especially in literature, music, art, or architecture

Example: The building was erected between 1798 and 1802 in the neoclassical style of the time.

Neocortical

Definition: of or pertaining to the neocortex

Example: Maternal hyperglycemia disturbs neocortical lamination in some non-malformed offspring.

Neolithic

Definition: relating to the period when humans used tools and weapons made of stone and had just developed farming

Example: The neolithic period is sometimes called the new stone age.

Neonatal

Definition: relating to newborn children (or other mammals)

Example: Special attention is given to mortality in the neonatal period.

Nerveless

Definition: lacking vigour or feeling

Example: The knife dropped from Grant’s nerveless fingers.

Nervous

Definition: relating to the nerves

Example: He suffers from a nervous disorder.

Nervy

Definition: easily agitated or alarmed; nervous

Example: John liked him because he was a nervy guy and would stand up to anybody who john wanted him to.

Nescient

Definition: lacking knowledge; ignorant

Example: I ventured into the new Korean restaurant with some equally nescient companions.

Net

Definition: left when there is nothing else to be taken away

Example: The net weight of something if the material that it is packed in.

Nether

Definition: lower in position

Example: The ballast is suspended from its nether end.

Neural

Definition: involving a nerve or the system of nerves that includes the brain

Example: Some people suffered severe neural damages as a result of the disease.

Neuralgic

Definition: involving short, severe pains felt suddenly along a nerve, especially in the neck or head

Example: She takes painkillers for the terrible neuralgic pains in her face.

Neuroanatomic

Definition: of or pertaining to neuroanatomy

Example: Neuroanatomic phenotypes are often assessed using volumetric analysis.

Neurogenic

Definition: originating in a nerve or nerve tissue

Example: Further, we also have identified mutations in genes involved in metabolic and neurogenic pathways that affect development time (heterochronic genes).

Neurological

Definition: relating to nerves

Example: Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disorder.

Neuromuscular

Definition: pertaining to or affecting both nerves and muscles

Example: This enhances neuromuscular stabilization, ensuring muscles and brain work together.

Neuronal

Definition: relating to a nerve cell or a neuron (= a basic unit of a nerve cell)

Example: The drugs increase neuronal activity as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

Neurotropic

Definition: having an affinity for nervous tissue, as certain viruses and poisons.

Example: Neurotropic arboviral infections are an important cause of encephalitis.

Neuter

Definition: of or denoting a gender of nouns in some languages, typically contrasting with masculine and feminine or common

Example: The Spirit is a neuter word in Greek.

Neutral

Definition: not saying or doing anything that would encourage or help any of the groups involve in an argument or war

Example: If there’s an argument between my daughter and her mother, it’s important that I remain neutral.

Never-ending

Definition: something that is never-ending never ends or seems as if it will never end

Example: Writing a dictionary is a never-ending task.

Newborn

Definition: recently born

Example: Breast-feeding is extremely beneficial to the health of newborn babies.

Newfangled

Definition: different from what one is used to; objectionably new

Example: I’ve no time for such newfangled nonsense.

Newfound

Definition: (of a quality or ability) started recently

Example: This success is a reflection of their newfound confidence.

Newsworthy

Definition: considered to be interesting enough to be reported in newspapers or on the radio or television

Example: This situation might develop into an even more newsworthy item if the police were involved.

Newtonian

Definition: relating to the network of Isaac Newton or obeying the laws described by him

Example: The dynamics of space flight are developed from the Newtonian viewpoint.

Next

Definition: (of a time) coming immediately after the time of writing or speaking

Example: We’ll go to Corfu next year.

Nice

Definition: giving pleasure or satisfaction; pleasant or attractive

Example: We had a very nice time.

Niffy

Definition: having an unpleasant smell

Example: A lot of animals are a bit on the niffy side.

Nightly

Definition: (happening) every night

Example: Nightly bombardment of the city looks set to continue.

Nightmarish

Definition: extremely unpleasant and very upsetting or frightening.

Example: He felt overwhelmed by the nightmarish scenario he faced.

Nihilistic

Definition: rejecting all religious and moral principles in the belief that life is meaningless

Example: An embittered, nihilistic teenager.

Nilpotent

Definition: equal to zero when raised to a particular power

Example: A paper about properties of the nilpotent elements of a residuated lattice.

Nimble

Definition: quick and exact either in movement or thoughts

Example: His nimble mind calculation the answer before I could key the numbers into my computer.

Nimble-minded

Definition: alert and clever

Example: He predicts initiatives across digital, data and cyber to proliferate – all of which can provide exciting for nimble-minded creative lawyers.

Nippy

Definition: cold

Example: It’s a bit nippy outside.

Nitid

Definition: shining or glossy

Example: In a strong and open daylight, all her nitid beauties show most clearly.

Nitric

Definition: relating to or containing nitrogen

Example: He pushed himself up off the sofa and took an inch off the whisky in his glass and swallowed it as if it was nitric acid.

Noble

Definition: having or showing fine personal qualities or high moral principals

Example: The promotion of human rights was a noble aspiration.

Nociceptive

Definition: relating to the perception or sensation of pain

Example: As the extremity warms, heat sensitive nociceptive afferents are stimulated.

Noctilucent

Definition: meteorology (of high-altitude clouds) visible during the short night of the summer

Example: Noctilucent clouds used to be incredibly rare and largely seen in the polar regions.

Nocturnal

Definition: done, occurring, or active at night

Example: Most owls are nocturnal.

Nodular

Definition: having a small raised area or swelling

Example: This cream is only for treatment of severe, nodular acne.

Nodulated

Definition: having nodules occurring as nodular growths

Example: In as-deposited condition the coating is amorphous and present a nodulated surface morphology.

Noetic

Definition: relating to mental activity or the intellect

Example: The noetic quality of a mystical experience refers to the sense of revelation.

No-frills

Definition: (of a product or a service) basic and has no extra or unnecessary details

Example: It’s a no-frills store supplying only basic goods at affordable prices.

Noiseless

Definition: silent or very quiet

Example: The cycle is a noiseless form of transport.

Noisome

Definition: having an extremely offensive smell

Example: The dog’s noisome odor is making me physically ill.

Noisy

Definition: making a lot of noise

Example: Our neighbours are very noisy.

Nomadic

Definition: moving from one place to another rather than living in one place all of the time

Example: The dogs were used by the nomadic tribe to pull sleds and herd reindeer.

Nominal

Definition: (of a price or charge) very small; far below the real value or cost

Example: They charge a nominal fee for the service.

Nominative

Definition: designating, of, or in the case of the subject of a finite verb

Example: The nominative case is used as the subject of a sentence or a clause.

Nonabsorbent

Definition: (of a material) not absorbing or holding liquid

Example: Afterwards persistence and residue effect of this insecticide decreased on absorbent and nonabsorbent surfaces.

Nonadaptive

Definition: (of an organism) not able to adapt to the environment

Example: Such female ornaments have been proposed to evolve via both adaptive and nonadaptive evolutionary processes.

Nonadhesive

Definition: not adhesive, not tending to stick or adhere

Example: The paper presents a comparison of technical characteristics of acoustic membranes with an adhesive layer and nonadhesive membranes.

Nonadjacent

Definition: not adjacent or adjoining

Example: The adjacent vertices and punished nonadjacent vertices can be compared directly.

Nonaggressive

Definition: not marked by or exhibiting aggression

Example: Tasteful people like nonaggressive art and are keen on the impressionists.

Non-aligned

Definition: relating to a state in the Non-aligned movement

Example: The non-aligned investors would have to vote to waive the stock exchange rules.

Nonassertive

Definition: not aggressively self-assured

Example: He is usually nonassertive and introverted.

Nonbearing

Definition: (of a wall or partition) supporting no load other than its own weight

Example: Masonry nonbearing walls placed only at the upper stories may generate a weak story behavior for the structure.

Noncaloric

Definition: (of food or drink) containing few or no calories

Example: Noncaloric sweetener usage was nonexistent.

Noncausal

Definition: not casual

Example: In this paper, we propose two feedback coding schemes for the action-dependent wiretap channel with noncausal state at the transmitter.

Noncellular

Definition: not composed of or containing cells

Example: The cellular and noncellular components influence each other and can be influenced by the tumor cells.

Nonclassical

Definition: pertaining to a law, theory, or observation that cannot be expressed or understood in terms of Newtonian physics

Example: Accordingly, we study nonclassical properties of the output states such as the quantum entanglement.

Non-combatant

Definition: not involving combat

Example: About 100,000 non-combatant civilians died in that battle.

Non-commercial

Definition: used to describe something that is not used in order to make money

Example: The software is free to download for non-commercial use.

Non-commissioned

Definition: a military officer who has not earned a commission

Example: He had recently been promoted to non-commissioned officer.

Noncommittal

Definition: not expressing an opinion or decision

Example: The ambassador was typically noncommittal when asked whether further sanctions would be introduced.

Non-communicable

Definition: (of a disease) not able to be transmitted from one sufferer to another

Example: Diabetes is one of the most common non-communicable diseases globally.

Non-competitive

Definition: not involving competition; not competitive

Example: They joined in non-competitive activities like friendship week.

Non-compliant

Definition: failing to act in accordance with a wish or command

Example: Non-compliant companies face legal action.

Nonconducting

Definition: not able to conduct electricity, sound, or heat

Example: We investigated an axisymmetric unsteady two-dimensional flow of nonconducting, incompressible second grade fluid between two circular plates.

Non-conforming

Definition: (of a loan) does not meet official standards, especially because it is more than the borrower will be able to pay back

Example: Non-conforming mortgages will become hard to obtain.

Nonconformist

Definition: relating to Nonconformists or their principles and practices

Example: Teetotalism was a largely nonconformist movement.

Nonconscious

Definition: relating to mental activity that is not conscious

Example: What about the new computerized methods for identifying people’s nonconscious attitudes?

Nonconsecutive

Definition: (of two or more items, events, etc) following one another with an interruption between

Example: You should exercise at least three times a week on nonconsecutive days to maintain fitness.

Noncontiguous

Definition: not contiguous, not touching

Example: We identified potential physical interactions of noncontiguous proximal and distal regulatory elements.

Noncontinuous

Definition: not continuous; interrupted

Example: Medians and ranges were calculated for noncontinuous variables.

Noncontroversial

Definition: not causing dispute, argument, debate, etc

Example: Also, for the first time in a long while we have a noncontroversial hero and leader.

Noncritical

Definition: not containing or making severe or negative judgments

Example: Standards should be written to describe fully satisfactory performance for critical as well as noncritical tasks.

Nondeductible

Definition: not able to be deducted

Example: This percentage should then be applied to any business expenses incurred to determine the nondeductible portion.

Nondenominational

Definition: not affiliated with any religious denomination

Example: Pastors in nondenominational churches have always had to rely solely on their personal network.

Nondescript

Definition: lacking distinctive or interesting features or characteristics

Example: She lived in a nondescript suburban apartment block.

Nondestructive

Definition: not capable of causing damage (to a structure or material)

Example: The university is testing a fast, nondestructive method to find flaws and measure damage in major structures such as bridges and airplanes.

Nonelective

Definition: relating to something that is required or mandatory

Example: The mean number of catheters removed due to nonelective reasons was calculated to evaluate the effectiveness of flushing solutions.

Nonequivalent

Definition: not equivalent, equal, or interchangeable

Example: This study used a nonequivalent control group design.

Non-essential

Definition: not absolutely necessary (tending to be less forceful in meaning than inessential)

Example: During the strike non-essential hospital services were halted.

Non-exclusive

Definition: not restricted to the person, group, or area concerned; not exclusive

Example: The broadcaster will buy non-exclusive rights for games from time to time.

Non-exempt

Definition: used to describe something that has to be done, paid, etc. because it is not one of the situations where a particular rule or law does not have to be obeyed

Example: People going bankrupt sometimes try to prevent non-exempt assets being taken from them.

Non-existent

Definition: not existing or not real or present

Example: She pretended to tie a non-existent shoelace.

Nonexplosive

Definition: not capable of causing an explosion

Example: The idea to use acid as a nonexplosive fluid for well stimulation was introduced in the 1930s.

Non-fat

Definition: (of food) having very low amount of fat

Example: Non-fat dairy products supply the needed nutrients without excessive calories.

Non-fatal

Definition: (of an illness, injury, or accident) does not cause death

Example: The infection is usually non-fatal if the patient gets treatment right away.

Nonfigurative

Definition: (of art) not representing actual or natural objects or realities; abstract

Example: He also started painting nonfigurative art.

Non-financial

Definition: used to describe a company that is not a financial institution

Example: The latest banking scandal has not affected industrial and other non-financial companies.

Nonflammable

Definition: not flammable; not combustible or easily set on fire

Example: The much-loved pet’s fleeces are also sold for suits, jerseys, hypoallergenic mattresses and nonflammable aircraft seats.

Nonflowering

Definition: not capable of producing flowers or seeds

Example: Flowering and nonflowering varieties are used for cultivation.

Non-functional

Definition: not operating or in working order

Example: The cooker was non-functional except for the hotplate.

Nongranular

Definition: not consisting of granules

Example: This study aimed to evaluate the use of image-enhanced endoscopy for visualizing laterally spreading tumors of the nongranular type.

Nonharmonic

Definition: not of or relating to musical harmony

Example: The nonlinear external disturbances with nonharmonic periodic characteristics are generated by multiclass nonlinear external systems.

Nonhereditary

Definition: not passed down through families, not hereditary

Example: Age and lower uterine segment involvement were not statistically different between the hereditary and nonhereditary groups.

Nonhierarchical

Definition: lacking hierarchical structure; egalitarian

Example: Its proselytizers declare that the internet distribute, nonhierarchical design naturally favours transparency, sharing, freedom, egalitarianism and populism.

Nonhuman

Definition: not human or not produced by humans

Example: Hostility towards outsiders is characteristic of both human or nonhuman animals.

Nonimmune

Definition: lacking immunity to a particular organism or antigen

Example: Down regulated genes represented nonimmune processes, such as development, metabolism and transport.

Nonindustrial

Definition: not of or relating to an industrial society, place, or age

Example: The lowest value, 0.83 mg/kg, was found for nonindustrial soils.

Noninfectious

Definition: (of a disease) not able to be caught by being near a person who has its noninfectious diseases

Example: Noninfectious uveitis tends to improve during pregnancy.

Noninflammatory

Definition: not inflammatory, not causing or caused by inflammation

Example: There was no significant different between the two groups in noninflammatory eruptions and general rashes.

Nonintegrated

Definition: not integrated, lacking integration

Example: Imbrication of the rectus muscles over a nonintegrated implant traditionally was thought to impart movement to the implant and prosthesis.

Nonintersecting

Definition: not intersecting, having paths that do not cross or intersect

Example: In the experiments, cross-injection coolant flow from two-row, paired, inclined holes with nonintersecting centerlines was utilized.

Nonionic

Definition: not ionic, not occurring in the form of ions

Example: Nonionic surfactants of major demand in the polyolefin industry were studied.

Non-judgmental

Definition: not judgemental; avoiding moral judgements

Example: It may well be the non-judgemental personality of a machine that motivates a child to preserver.

Nonlegal

Definition: not legal

Example: Law graduates can bring a great deal to many nonlegal careers and with it achieve success and personal satisfaction.

Nonlethal

Definition: not resulting in or capable of causing death

Example: Britain in supplying nonlethal equipment, like bulletproof jackets and radio communications.

Non-linear

Definition: used to describe a process, series of events, etc. in which one thing does not clearly or directly follow from another

Example: Researchers say that non-linear thinking may be an increasingly important attribute for tomorrow’s workers.

Nonlinguistic

Definition: not relating to or conveyed using language

Example: The results show that multilinguals were faster in comparison to monolinguals in the nonlinguistic task.

Non-literal

Definition: not using or taking words in their usual or most basic sense

Example: Young children and foreigners may not at first understand these non-literal meanings.

Nonliterary

Definition: not of, relating to, converted with, or characteristic of literature or scholarly writing

Example: These people have a function; they are recognized by large audiences of nonliterary people as being proper participants.

Nonliving

Definition: not living; inanimate

Example: Humic acids represent the largest portion of nonliving soil organic matter.

Nonmagnetic

Definition: not magnetic

Example: All the carbides are nonmagnetic or antiferromagnetic.

Non-mandatory

Definition: not required by law or mandate; voluntary

Example: The company has a non-mandatory pension scheme.

Non-material

Definition: not relating to physical objects or money

Example: Influence is to do with non-material power.

Nonmechanical

Definition: not involving the use of machines or physical forces

Example: It also stocks nonmechanical plant, such as fencing and acrow support props, and established a lifting division in 2020.

Nonmetallic

Definition: not of metal

Example: Transfer to a shallow, nonmetallic dish and add the cutlets.

Nonmigratory

Definition: not migratory, not involved in migration

Example: Compared to sparrows in a nonmigratory state, migratory sparrows spent approximately two-thirds less time sleeping.

Nonmodern

Definition: not modern, of or resembling an earlier age or time

Example: In contrast, the nonmodern approach reestablished symmetry between science and technology on the one hand and society on the other.

Nonmotile

Definition: (of cells) not capable of movement; immotile

Example: Terrestrial fungi lost all flagellated stages and reproduce instead with nonmotile spores.

Nonmoving

Definition: not moving

Example: The images depicted the different nonmoving religious holidays.

Nonmusical

Definition: not belonging to or relating to music

Example: The era when their nonmusical hobbies were as notorious as their record sales were huge is long gone.

Nonnegative

Definition: of the real number, either positive or zero; not negative; greater than or equal to zero

Example: We determine the concavity of all scalar solutions in the nonnegative quadrant.

Non-negotiable

Definition: used to describe something that someone refuses to discuss or change

Example: Talks failed because there were too many non-negotiable on both sides.

Nonnormative

Definition: not normative, not based on norms

Example: Nonnormative influences are unpredictable and not tied to a certain development time, personally or historically.

No-nonsense

Definition: serious and practical

Example: Barnes has a quiet, no-nonsense manner of doing business.

Nonoperational

Definition: not in working order or ready to use

Example: This is enough to make me forgive the front pockets for being fake, a trompe 1’oeil of nonoperational stitching.

Nonparasitic

Definition: not parasitic

Example: Histopathology showed evidence of congenital solitary nonparasitic cyst of the liver.

Nonpersonal

Definition: not personal

Example: Hospital much publish all nonpersonal data about patient safety.

Nonpoisonous

Definition: not having the effects or quality of a poison

Example: Volunteers who were scared of snakes were asked to move closer or further away from a nonpoisonous species.

Nonpolitical

Definition: not of, dealing with, or relating to politics a nonpolitical organization

Example: You may argue this discrepancy stems from our rather nonpolitical panel.

Nonporous

Definition: not permeable to water, air, or other fluids

Example: Season, then transfer to a nonporous container and place in the fridge to chill for 3 hours.

Non-pregnant

Definition: (of a woman or female animal) not pregnant

Example: Pregnant woman are at greater risk of malaria than non-pregnant woman.

Non-professional

Definition: used to describe someone who does something not as their job but because they are interested in it

Example: There are certain indicators that signal an upturn that may to be obvious to non-professional investors.

Non-profit

Definition: not intended to make a profit, but to make money for asocial or political purpose or to provide a service that people need

Example: We are a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of ocean mammals.

Nonprogressive

Definition: not progressive, old-fashioned

Example: we further classify distal adding-on into progressive and nonprogressive group according to its natural evolution.

Nonpublic

Definition: not public; private

Example: A stock is placed onto a restricted list when an institution has nonpublic information about the company.

Non-racist

Definition: not influenced by a person’s race

Example: We’re a non-sexist and non-racist employer.

Nonrational

Definition: not in accordance with the principles of logic or reason

Example: Those processes belong to the nonrational component of scientific discovery and, as such, are not methodological.

Nonreciprocal

Definition: not reciprocal

Example: Empirical social networks in general also include a substantial number of nonreciprocal edges.

Non-reflective

Definition: not capable of or not designed to reflect light

Example: The non-reflective screen is clearly visible in all condition bar bright sunlight.

Non-refundable

Definition: used to describe money that you pay that you cannot get back

Example: At this point, the purchaser will have to pay a 10% non-refundable cash deposit to the auctioneer.

Non-renewable

Definition: existing in limited quantities that cannot be replaced after they have all been used

Example: Oil, natural gas, and coil are non-renewable fuels.

Positive Adjectives That Start with N to Describe a Person

If you find these simple words like “good”, “nice”, “kind”, etc. are not able to express yourself when complimenting others, then try following adjectives that start with N to describe a person.

1. Naive

Definition: unaffectedly, or sometimes foolishly simple; childlike

Synonyms: credulous, innocent, simple

Example: Carol is so naive that she doesn’t realize Ben is just using her.

2. Noble

Definition: having or showing high moral qualities or ideals, or greatness of character; having excellent qualities

Synonyms: aristocratic, patrician, righteous

Example: It’s very noble of you to spend all your weekends helping the old folk.

3. Needy

Definition: Poor enough to need help from others

Synonyms: poor, deprived, disadvantaged

Example: Unfortunately, Jackson realized too late that Cassandra was a crazy bitch, and needy as well.

4. Newborn

Definition: (of a child or animal) recently or just born

Synonyms: newly born

Example: She’s incapable of looking after a newborn.

5. Nice

Definition: giving pleasure or satisfaction; pleasant or attractive

Synonyms: enjoyable, pleasant, satisfying

Example: We had a very nice time.

6. Noetic

Definition: of or relating to the intellect or mind

Synonyms: brainy, clever, rational

Example: In the debate between the two top teams, it became apparent of the leader’s noetic capabilities to describe the history and reasoning behind their debating topic.

7. Non-belligerent

Definition: not aggressive or hostile.

Synonyms: even handed, fair minded, unbiased

Example: Over time, such cooperation could gradually acclimate Arab peoples to a non-belligerent stance toward Israel.

8. Notable

Definition: worthy of notice or note; remarkable; characterized by distinction or excellence; memorable

Synonyms: outstanding, important, remarkable

Example: No matter how strong you are how notable your attainments, you have enduring significance only in your relationship to others.

9. Nourished

Definition: being provided with nourishment; fed

Synonyms: sustain, feed, nutrify

Example: All the children were well nourished and in good physical condition.

Positive Adjectives That Start with N to Describe an Event

Some people may think adjectives are less important than nouns, because adjectives just work to modify nouns. To some extent, that may be true. But still, adjectives are indeed an indispensable part. For example, if you remove descriptive words that start with N from examples below, the message they conveyed immediately becomes unclear or even meaningless.

1. Negotiable

Definition: possible or easy to be negotiated or negotiate; open to change, modification or discussion

Synonyms: flexible, passable

Example: The bonds were negotiable, and afford us the earliest instance of the issue of government stock.

2. Nasal

Definition: of the nose.

Synonyms: ear-splitting, penetrating, sharp

Example: His singing voice is more nasal than his speaking voice.

3. Natural

Definition: of, or arising from, nature; in accordance with what is found or expected in nature; not artificial or manufactured

Synonyms: essential, innate, instinctive

Example: The amazing curls in Beth’s hair are natural.

4. Nifty

Definition: very good; great; first-rate

Synonyms: skillful, capable, agile

Example: What a nifty little gadget – you can use it for all kinds of things.

5. Novel

Definition: new and unusual; especially, being the first of its kind

Synonyms: original, unusual, unfamiliar

Example: Who first had the novel idea of putting peanut butter and jelly together?

6. Nutritious

Definition: nourishing; of value as food

Synonyms: nourishing, good food

Example: Berries are both nutritious and delicious.

7. Nonalcoholic

Definition: a beverage usually containing less than 0.5% alcohol by volume

Synonyms: alcohol-free

Example: Coke is my favorite nonalcoholic drink.

8. National

Definition: relating to or characteristic of a nation; common to a whole nation

Synonyms: state, public, federal

Example: This policy may have been in the national interest.

9. Neat

Definition: arranged in a tidy way; in good order

Synonyms: tidy, fine

Example: The handwriting on the letter was neat and feminine.

10. Necessary

Definition: needed to be done, achieved, or present; essential

Synonyms: obligatory, requisite, imperative

Example: Nothing is so necessary for travelers as languages.

Positive Adjectives That Start with N to Describe a Place

If you want to improve your English and express yourself more freely, memorizing these adjectives that start with the letter N is a good way.

1. Narrow

Definition: not wide; limited in meaning, size, amount, or extent

Synonyms: small, tapered, strait

Example: The hallway may be narrow, but the rooms are very large.

2. Native

Definition: belonging to a locality or country by birth, production, or growth

Synonyms: home-grown, vernacular, local

Example: The movie deals with injustices suffered by Native Americans.

3. Noteworthy

Definition: worthy of note; deserving notice; outstanding; remarkable

Synonyms: notable, interesting, significant

Example: There are many noteworthy restaurants in New York City.

4. Nameless

Definition: being or having an unknown or unnamed source

Synonyms: unspeakable, unutterable, inexpressible

Example: The nameless height is located in the belarusian forests.

5. Nariel

Definition: Of or relating to or near the nares

Synonyms: perta, opening

Example: Its position is not indicative of a nariel opening either.

6. Navigable

Definition: able to be sailed on or through safely

Synonyms: passable, negotiable

Example: Such commerce on the national scale was made possible by China’s system of navigable waterways, partly natural and partly man-made.

7. Nearby

Definition: not far away, close

Synonyms: close by, near,

Example: She darted behind the nearby rocks.

8. Nobby

Definition: elegant; stylish; chic; smart; aristocratic.

Synonyms: ritzy, chichi, spry

Example: Quite a nobby place it is, in fact.

Positive Adjectives That Start with N to Describe Emotions, Personality, and Feelings

In either verbal or written communication, using various adjectives where appropriate always looks more appealing. So learning more adjectives with letter N will only do good to you.

1. Normal

Definition: conforming with or constituting an accepted standard, model, or pattern; natural

Synonyms: usual; standard; regular

Example: John exhibits self composure and normal behavior in every situation.

2. Nostalgic

Definition: of or related to a longing for something far away or long ago, or for former happy circumstances

Synonyms: wistful, evocative, sentimental

Example: Claire always feels nostalgic when she listens to Jimmy Buffet because it reminds her of childhood summers.

3. Nosey

Definition: showing too much curiosity about other people’s affairs.

Synonyms: prying, inquisitive, probing

Example: Sorry if I seem nosey, I don’t mean to, I’m just curious.

4. Numb

Definition: not showing human feeling or sensitivity; unresponsive

Synonyms: insensible, insensate, senseless

Example: Jackpots once topping $1 billion have tumbled during the coronavirus pandemic, and the public has become numbto what once seemed to be astonishingly large prizes.

Negative Adjectives That Start with N to Describe a Person

There are certain adjectives that we usually use on specific occasions. For example, to describe a person from a negative point of view, you can use below adjective words that start with N to describe a person.

1. Nasty

Definition: very dirty, filthy; offensive in taste or smell; morally offensive; very unpleasant

Synonyms: malicious; ill-humored, mean

Example: Mr. Scrooge was a nasty man with a nasty temper who liked to eat nasty foods like haggis and liverwurst.

2. Nearsighted

Definition: having better vision for near objects than for distant ones; myopic

Synonyms: purblind, short-sighted, myopic

Example: Sallie is nearsighted, so she needs glasses when she drives to see the road signs clearly.

3. Naughty

Definition: not behaving properly; mischievous or disobedient.

Synonyms: indecent, bawdy, rude

Example: Kyle isn’t naughty; he has ADHD and finds it hard to sit still in class.

4. Negligent

Definition: habitually failing to do the required thing; neglectful

Synonyms: careless, lax, remiss

Example: Social Services can take children away from parents who are negligent.

5. Nerdy

Definition: describing a person regarded as socially dull, unsophisticated, awkward, etc., especially one who is preoccupied with academics, intellectual hobbies, etc

Synonyms: geeky, egg headed, highbrow

Example: Have you ever noticed how many nerdy guys there are with really beautiful women?

6. Noisy

Definition: making, or accompanied by noise; making more sound than is expected or customary; full of noise.

Synonyms: rowdy, clamorous, boisterous

Example: My roommates are so noisy in the mornings, I can never sleep in.

7. Nude

Definition: completely unclothed or uncovered

Synonyms: bare, stripped, stark naked

Example: She looks at me rather askance when I suggest a swim in the nude.

8. Notorious

Definition: widely but unfavorably known or talked about

Synonyms: infamous, ill-famed

Example: The professor was notorious for giving impossible tests.

9. Nonchalant

Definition: without warmth or enthusiasm; not showing interest

Synonyms: calm, cool, unconcerned

Example: He seemed so nonchalant about the financial crisis; we had no idea he was going bankrupt.

10. Nefarious

Definition: Extremely wicked

Synonyms: evil, sinful, villainous

Example: I know the list of nefarious uses of the Internet—but on balance, we are building it for good purposes.

Negative Adjectives That Start with N to Describe an Event

Describing words beginning with N for events are not that common and below are some of them for you.

1. Nauseous

Definition: causing nausea; sickening, disgusting.

Synonyms: sick, queasy, bilious

Example: His warm breath on her neck and the added heat of his body made her feel nauseous again.

2. Nebulous

Definition: unclear; vague; indefinite.

Synonyms: indistinct, indefinite, vague

Example: We spent so much time together without defining our relationship. It just became a rather nebulous and confusing thing.

3. Noxious

Definition: harmful to the health; corrupting

Synonyms: poisonous, toxic, deadly

Example: You should always paint in a well-ventilated area because paint fumes are noxious.

4. Nonsensical

Definition: unintelligible, foolish, silly, absurd, etc.

Synonyms: meaningless, illogical, senseless

Example: Dr. Seuss books are nonsensical in a way, but they also teach children valuable lessons about all kinds of things.

5. Nuisance

Definition: a person or thing causing inconvenience or annoyance

Synonyms: irritant, annoyance, trouble

Example: The dogs next door are a real nuisance.

6. Nonsensical

Definition: (of words or language) having little or no meaning; making little or no sense

Synonyms: ridiculous, senseless

Example: A baby’s babbling is appealingly nonsensical.

Negative Adjectives That Start with N to Describe a Place

When it comes to adjectives that start with N to describe a place negatively, “Noisy” immediately pops up in my head.

1. Noisy

Definition: making or given to making a lot of noise.

Synonyms: rowdy, clamorous

Example: Deep rivers move in silence, shallow brooks are noisy.

2. Nonhuman

Definition: refer to existence of no human

Synonyms: without human,

Example: The house which was long way nonhuman looked horrific.

3. Nightmarish

Definition: resembling a bad dream

Synonyms: unearthly, ghostly, horrific

Example: Mostly within grey, barren cell-like structures, nightmarish scenarios, which are unspecific in their narrative, are enacted.

4. Non-existent

Definition: not existing or not real or present.

Synonyms: imaginary, unreal, fictional

Example: The hotel turned out to be completely non-existent.

Negative Adjectives That Start with N to Describe Emotions, Personality, and Feelings

This list of adjectives that start with N may not be a complete one, but as long as you master these N adjectives, you’ll see a dramatic improvement of your English skill.

1. Nauseated

Definition: feeling nausea

Synonyms: sickening, stomach-churning, stomach-turning

Example: I feel nauseated when I smell beef cooking.

2. Nervous

Definition: easily agitated or alarmed

Synonyms: anxious, edgy, tense

Example: I get very nervous before a big race.

3. Numb

Definition: weakened in or deprived of the power of feeling or moving; deadened; insensible

Synonyms: benumbed, dead

Example: He was numb to the cries for mercy.

4. Negated

Definition: make ineffective; nullify

Synonyms: invalidate, nullify, refute

Example: There emerged a tacit agreement between the two men that Dean’s position negated his direct involvement in officially pursuing the investigation.

5. Neutral

Definition: not supporting or helping either side in a conflict, disagreement, etc.; impartial

Synonyms: impartial, unbiased

Example: Journalists are supposed to be politically neutral.

Final Thoughts on Adjectives That Start with N

Are you feeling smarter now after reading adjectives that start with the letter N? I bet so. Remember to read them over and over again, soon you’ll see yourself a big jump-up.

Learning a language is never an easy thing. It takes a lot of practice before it becomes fluent and instinctive. So always keep learning and use these adjectives that start with N whenever appropriate.