The Ultimate List: 114 Adjectives for Describing Appearances

Have you ever struggled to find the right words to describe someone’s appearance? People come in all shapes and sizes, from towering giants to petite figures.

But our vocabulary often fails to capture these differences. Imagine having a rich palette of words at your fingertips, ready to paint vivid pictures of the people around you.

With 114 carefully chosen adjectives, you can bring your descriptions to life, making your writing more engaging and precise.

This list of physical descriptors will boost your writing skills, whether crafting a character for your novel, describing a suspect to the police, or simply trying to capture the essence of someone you’ve just met.

Let’s explore these powerful words and learn how to use them effectively in your descriptions.

114 Adjectives Used to Describe a Person Physically

Adjectives Used to Describe a Person Physically

This list provides a variety of words to describe physical traits. Grouped by category, these adjectives help you create definitive descriptions of people’s appearances.

1. Agile

Meaning: Able to move quickly and easily, showing flexibility and coordination in movement.
Example: The agile gymnast performed a series of flips and turns with exceptional grace and speed.

2. Angular

Meaning: Having sharp, prominent angles or features, often giving a defined and striking appearance.
Example: His angular jawline and high cheekbones gave him a distinctive and memorable look.

3. Ashen

Meaning: Pale or grayish, often due to illness, fear, or shock.
Example: Her complexion became ashen when she heard the unsettling news, showing her sudden distress.

4. Asymmetrical

Meaning: Lacking symmetry or balance, with one side different from the other in size or shape.
Example: His asymmetrical features, such as one eyebrow higher than the other, gave his face a unique character.

5. Athletic

Meaning: Regular exercise or sports often result in a strong, muscular, and physically fit body.
Example: The athlete’s athletic build was evident, with toned muscles and a physique built for endurance.

6. Bald

Meaning: Lacking hair on the scalp, either completely or partially.
Example: The man was completely bald, his smooth scalp gleaming under the sunlight.

7. Bearded

Meaning: Having a beard, often thick and covering the chin and cheeks.
Example: His full, bearded face gave him a rugged, outdoorsy appearance that made him stand out.

8. Blotchy

Meaning: Covered with irregular spots or patches, often red or uneven in tone.
Example: Her skin became blotchy after spending too much time in the sun without proper sunscreen.

9. Bony

Meaning: Very thin, with prominent bones showing through the skin.
Example: The bony structure of his hands was visible, giving them a skeletal appearance.

10. Brittle

Meaning: Easily broken or fragile, lacking flexibility or strength.
Example: Her brittle nails snapped easily due to a lack of vitamins in her diet.

11. Broad

Meaning: Wide in dimension, often referring to shoulders or body structure.
Example: His broad shoulders made him appear strong and powerful.

12. Bulky

Meaning: Large and heavy in size or shape, often due to muscle or weight.
Example: The bulky bodybuilder struggled to fit through the narrow doorway.

13. Burly

Meaning: Large and strong, often with a muscular and solid build.
Example: The burly lumberjack easily carried the heavy logs with impressive strength.

14. Bushy

Meaning: Thick, full, and dense, often describing hair, eyebrows, or a beard.
Example: His bushy beard grew wild and thick, making him look more rugged and untamed.

15. Chubby

Meaning: Slightly overweight, with rounded or plump features, often softly and gently.
Example: The chubby baby had round cheeks that made everyone smile with affection.

16. Chunky

Meaning: Solid and thick in build, often used to describe a heavily set person.
Example: His chunky physique, broad and solid, gave him a sense of strength and resilience.

17. Clean-shaven

Meaning: Without a beard or mustache, having a smooth face from shaving.
Example: His clean-shaven look made him appear younger and more professional.

18. Clear

Meaning: Free from blemishes or spots, often used to describe skin.
Example: Her clear complexion was radiant, with no blemish in sight.

19. Coarse

Meaning: Rough in texture, not smooth or soft, often referring to hair or skin.
Example: His coarse hair felt rough to the touch, lacking the softness of finer strands.

20. Crow-footed

Meaning: Having wrinkles around the eyes, resembling the shape of a crow’s foot.
Example: Her crow-footed eyes showed the signs of age and years of laughter.

21. Curly

Meaning: Having curls or waves in the hair, often tightly coiled or springy.
Example: Her curly hair bounced with every step, full of volume and texture.

22. Curvy

Meaning: Having smooth, rounded body lines, often used to describe a full-figured or shapely person.
Example: The curvy actress embraced her natural figure, inspiring others with her body confidence.

23. Dainty

Meaning: Small, soft, and graceful, often used to describe someone with a petite build.
Example: She had dainty hands that seemed too fragile for hard work but moved with grace and precision.

24. Dark

Meaning: A deep or rich complexion or hair color often refers to a darker skin tone or hair.
Example: His dark eyes were intense, reflecting a sense of mystery and depth.

25. Delicate

Meaning: Fragile and finely built, with an appearance that suggests fragility or gentleness.
Example: Her delicate features gave her a doll-like appearance, with soft, refined lines.

26. Dry

Meaning: Lacking moisture, often rough or flaky in texture.
Example: His dry skin cracked in the cold winter air, needing lotion to restore moisture.

27. Dull

Meaning: Lacking shine or brightness, often used to describe hair or skin that appears lifeless.
Example: Her dull complexion looked tired and lacked the vibrant glow it once had.

28. Fair

Meaning: Light in complexion, often used to describe someone with pale skin.
Example: The fair-skinned child had to wear sunscreen to protect her from burning in the sun.

29. Flabby

Meaning: Soft and loose, lacking muscle tone or firmness.
Example: His flabby arms shook slightly as he waved, a sign of his sedentary lifestyle.

30. Flat

Meaning: Lacking curves or roundness, often used to describe a straight or level body part.
Example: Her flat stomach resulted from years of dedication to exercise and healthy eating.

31. Flawless

Meaning: Perfect, without any blemishes, marks, or imperfections.
Example: Her flawless skin, free from any spots or scars, made her stand out in the crowd.

32. Frail

Meaning: Physically weak and flimsy, often due to age or illness.
Example: The frail elderly man needed assistance to walk, his body too weak to support him.

33. Freckled

Meaning: Covered with small, light brown spots on the skin, often from sun exposure.
Example: Her freckled face added a unique charm to her natural beauty.

34. Frizzy

Meaning: Hair that is tightly curled and often difficult to control, appearing rough or unkempt.
Example: Her frizzy hair puffed out in the humidity, making it hard to style.

35. Furry

Meaning: Covered with thick hair growth, often soft and dense.
Example: His furry arms made him appear more rugged and outdoorsy.

36. Gaunt

Meaning: Thin and worn, especially from illness, hunger, or old age.
Example: His gaunt appearance suggested he hadn’t eaten well for a while.

37. Glossy

Meaning: Smooth and shiny, reflecting light easily, often describing hair or skin.
Example: Her glossy hair shimmered in the sunlight, giving it a healthy and polished look.

38. Glowing

Meaning: Radiant and bright, often describing healthy and vibrant skin.
Example: Her glowing complexion made her look youthful and full of life.

39. Graceful

Meaning: Grand in movement or appearance, showing poise and smoothness.
Example: The graceful ballerina moved across the stage with effortless fluidity.

40. Greasy

Meaning: Oily and slick, often due to an excess of oil in hair or skin.
Example: His greasy hair looked unwashed, giving him an unkempt appearance.

41. Groomed

Meaning: Well-maintained, neat, and tidy in appearance.
Example: He was always well-groomed, with a sharp haircut and polished shoes.

42. Hairy

Meaning: Covered with a large amount of hair on the body or face.
Example: His hairy chest was a prominent feature that added to his rugged masculinity.

43. High-cheekboned

Meaning: Having prominent cheekbones that are well-defined and noticeable.
Example: Her high-cheekboned face gave her a regal and distinguished appearance.

44. Hollow

Meaning: Sunken or concave, often used to describe eyes or cheeks that appear drawn in.
Example: His hollow cheeks indicated he had lost a significant amount of weight recently.

45. Ivory

Meaning: A pale, creamy white complexion, often considered lavish or refined.
Example: Her ivory skin contrasted beautifully with her dark hair.

46. Lanky

Meaning: Tall and thin, often appearing awkward due to long limbs.
Example: The lanky teenager had grown too quickly, making his movements appear clumsy.

47. Lean

Meaning: Thin but strong, with minimal body fat, often used to describe someone fit and healthy.
Example: His lean physique resulted from regular workouts and a strict diet.

48. Lithe

Meaning: Graceful and flexible in movement, often used to describe someone who is slim and deft.
Example: The lithe dancer moved fluidly across the stage, her body bending effortlessly.

49. Lush

Meaning: Thick, full, and healthy in appearance, often used to describe hair or foliage.
Example: Her lush hair cascaded down her back, full of volume and shine.

50. Messy

Meaning: Untidy, disorganized, or unkempt.
Example: His messy hair looked like he had just rolled out of bed without brushing it.

51. Muscular

Meaning: Well-defined muscles that are strong and visibly toned.
Example: The muscular bodybuilder showcased his strength with arms and shoulders bulging with power.

52. Mustachioed

Meaning: Having a mustache, often full and prominent in appearance.
Example: The mustachioed gentleman twirled the ends of his impressive facial hair with pride.

53. Oily

Meaning: Covered with or producing an excess of oil, often used to describe skin or hair.
Example: Her oily skin required regular cleansing to prevent breakouts.

54. Olive

Meaning: A warm, light brown or yellowish skin tone, often associated with Mediterranean heritage.
Example: His olive skin gave him a healthy, sun-kissed appearance.

55. Oval

Meaning: Having an elongated, rounded shape, often used to describe a face or head.
Example: Her long, flowing hair framed her oval face perfectly.

56. Overweight

Meaning: Carrying more body weight than is considered healthy or typical for a person’s height.
Example: The overweight man struggled to keep up during the hike but was determined to reach the summit.

57. Pale

Meaning: Having a light or colorless complexion, often due to lack of sunlight or health issues.
Example: Her pale skin stood out in the summer crowd, making her look airy and ethereal.

58. Petite

Meaning: Small and slender in build, often used to describe short and thin women.
Example: Her petite frame made her seem fragile, though she was strong and resilient.

59. Plump

Meaning: Rounded and slightly overweight, but in a healthy and often attractive way.
Example: The plump baby giggled as his chubby arms waved excitedly in the air.

60. Porcelain

Meaning: Smooth and pale skin that resembles the flimsy quality of fine china.
Example: Her porcelain skin was flawless, giving her an almost doll-like appearance.

61. Portly

Meaning: Stout or somewhat overweight, often giving an impression of dignity or authority.
Example: The portly man carried himself with confidence despite his large frame.

62. Prominent

Meaning: Standing out or easily noticeable, often used to describe facial features like a large nose or chin.
Example: His prominent nose was the most recognizable feature of his face.

63. Puffy

Meaning: Swollen or inflated, often due to fatigue or illness, especially around the eyes.
Example: Her puffy eyes clearly indicate a long, sleepless night.

64. Radiant

Meaning: Glowing with health and vitality, often used to describe someone with vibrant skin or a happy demeanor.
Example: She looked radiant on her wedding day, her face glowing with joy and excitement.

65. Robust

Meaning: Strong and healthy in appearance, often suggesting sturdiness and vitality.
Example: His robust physique was the result of years of physical labor and outdoor work.

66. Rosy

Meaning: Having a pink or reddish tint, often describing healthy-looking skin.
Example: Her rosy cheeks flushed with excitement as she shared her good news.

67. Round

Meaning: Circular or spherical in shape, often used to describe a full face or body part.
Example: Her round face made her look youthful and approachable.

68. Ruddy

Meaning: Having a healthy reddish color is often associated with outdoor life and good circulation.
Example: His ruddy complexion showed that he spent much of his time working outdoors.

69. Rugged

Meaning: Having a rough, sturdy appearance is often associated with someone who spends a lot of time outdoors.
Example: His rugged good looks and weathered skin gave him a masculine, tough appearance.

70. Sallow

Meaning: A pale yellowish complexion, often a sign of illness or fatigue.
Example: Her sallow complexion suggested she had been unwell for quite some time.

71. Scrawny

Meaning: Thin and bony, often appearing undernourished or weak.
Example: The scrawny teenager had long limbs and a fragile build that made him appear awkward.

72. Scruffy

Meaning: Untidy or shabby in appearance, often with unkempt hair or clothing.
Example: His scruffy beard and messy clothes gave him a laid-back, unpolished look.

73. Shaggy

Meaning: Long, thick, and untidy, often used to describe hair or fur.
Example: His shaggy hair fell over his eyes, giving him a wild and disheveled appearance.

74. Shapely

Meaning: Having a well-proportioned and attractive body shape, often used to describe curves.
Example: Her shapely figure caught everyone’s attention as she walked into the room with confidence.

75. Sharp

Meaning: Having distinct, well-defined features, often used to describe facial structures.
Example: His sharp jawline and piercing eyes gave him a commanding presence in the room.

76. Shaven

Meaning: Hair removed by shaving, leaving smooth skin, often used to describe the face or head.
Example: He was freshly shaven, with a smooth face that made him look much younger.

77. Shiny

Meaning: Glossy or reflecting light, often used to describe healthy hair or skin.
Example: Her shiny hair flowed down her back, glowing under the bright lights.

78. Short

Meaning: Of below-average height, often used to describe a person’s stature.
Example: The short man was easy to spot in the crowd because of his small stature.

79. Silky

Meaning: Smooth, soft, and shiny, often used to describe hair or fabric.
Example: Her silky hair slid through her fingers like a soft and luxurious, ribbon.

80. Sinewy

Meaning: Lean and muscular, showing strong, cord-like muscles beneath the skin.
Example: His sinewy arms revealed years of hard manual labor, each muscle clearly defined.

81. Sleek

Meaning: Smooth and glossy, often used to describe hair or lavish appearance.
Example: Her sleek black hair and sophisticated style made her stand out at the event.

82. Slender

Meaning: Thin attractively and gracefully, often describing a slim body shape.
Example: Her slender frame allowed her to move easily and gracefully across the dance floor.

83. Slim

Meaning: Thin and fit, often suggesting a healthy and attractive body shape.
Example: The slim model walked confidently down the runway, her figure emphasized by the flowing dress.

84. Sloping

Meaning: Inclined or angled, often used to describe shoulders or body posture.
Example: His sloping shoulders gave him a relaxed, almost lazy appearance.

85. Smooth

Meaning: Free from roughness or bumps, often used to describe skin or surfaces.
Example: Her smooth skin was flawless, without a blemish or rough patch.

86. Sparse

Meaning: Thinly distributed, lacking density, often used to describe hair or vegetation.
Example: His sparse beard, which barely covered his chin, made him look much younger than his years.

87. Spiky

Meaning: Sharp or pointed, often described as hair styled in stiff, upright points.
Example: His spiky hair stood on end, giving him a rebellious, edgy appearance.

88. Spotty

Meaning: Covered with spots or patches, often described as uneven skin.
Example: Her spotty complexion made her self-conscious, prompting her to look for a skincare solution.

89. Square

Meaning: Having a broad and strong shape, often used to describe a face or jawline.
Example: His square jawline made his face appear strong and masculine, giving him a classic look.

90. Stocky

Meaning: Solid and compact build, often short but strong and muscular.
Example: The stocky wrestler was short but packed with muscle, making him a formidable opponent.

91. Stout

Meaning: Solid and somewhat heavy in build, often implying strength.
Example: The stout woman moved confidently, her powerful frame making her a natural leader.

92. Straight

Meaning: Without curves or waves, often used to describe hair or posture.
Example: Her straight hair, perfectly smooth and shiny, fell in a sleek line down her back.

93. Strapping

Meaning: Tall, strong, and well-built, often used to describe a physically imposing figure.
Example: The strapping young man towered over the crowd, his broad shoulders making him stand out.

94. Sturdy

Meaning: Strong and solid in build, capable of withstanding pressure or fatigue.
Example: His sturdy frame allowed him to carry heavy loads, displaying his physical strength easily.

95. Sun-kissed

Meaning: Lightly tanned, often with a golden hue from spending time in the sun.
Example: Her sun-kissed skin glowed warmth, showing she had spent the summer outdoors.

96. Swarthy

Meaning: Having a dark complexion, often used to describe someone with Mediterranean or Middle Eastern features.
Example: His swarthy appearance gave him an air of mystery, with his dark eyes and tanned skin.

97. Symmetrical

Meaning: Balanced and even on both sides, often used to describe facial features.
Example: Her symmetrical face made her classically beautiful, with every feature perfectly aligned.

98. Tall

Meaning: Above average in height, often used to describe someone noticeably taller than others.
Example: The tall basketball player easily towered over his teammates, making him a star athlete.

99. Tanned

Meaning: Having a brown or golden skin tone from sun exposure.
Example: His tanned skin was evidence of many hours spent outside in the sun.

100. Tawny

Meaning: A warm, golden-brown color, often used to describe skin or hair.
Example: Her tawny skin glowed under the soft lights, giving her a healthy, radiant appearance.

101. Thick

Meaning: Dense and full, often described as hair, muscles, or body parts.
Example: His thick hair stood out against the backdrop of the sea breeze, full and unruly.

102. Thin

Meaning: Slim and lean, often suggesting fragility or a lack of excess weight.
Example: The thin man appeared frail, with little body fat or muscle on his narrow frame.

103. Toned

Meaning: Having well-defined muscles with little body fat indicates fitness and strength.
Example: Her toned arms resulted from years of dedication to weight training and exercise.

104. Tousled

Meaning: Messy attractively or deliberately, often used to describe hair.
Example: His tousled hair looked effortlessly cool as if he had just rolled out of bed in style.

105. Trim

Meaning: Slim and neat, often suggesting a healthy and well-maintained appearance.
Example: His trim physique made him look athletic and fit, the result of regular exercise.

106. Underweight

Meaning: Weighing less than is healthy or normal for one’s height and body type.
Example: The underweight girl had a fragile frame, prompting concerns about her overall health.

107. Voluminous

Meaning: Full and abundant in size or amount, often used to describe hair or clothing.
Example: Her voluminous curls bounced with every step, creating an aura of movement and energy.

108. Voluptuous

Meaning: Having a full and shapely figure, often with pronounced curves.
Example: The voluptuous actress embraced her curves, becoming a symbol of body positivity and confidence.

109. Wavy

Meaning: Having gentle curves or waves, often used to describe hair that’s neither straight nor curly.
Example: Her wavy hair fell softly over her shoulders, giving her a relaxed and effortless look.

110. Weak

Meaning: Lacking physical strength or power, often used to describe frailty.
Example: His weak arms couldn’t lift the heavy box, a sign of declining health.

111. Weathered

Meaning: Aged or worn, often from exposure to the elements, giving a rugged or rough appearance.
Example: His weathered face showed the toll of years working under the sun.

112. Wiry

Meaning: Lean and tough, often used to describe someone thin but strong.
Example: The wiry man was surprisingly strong for his size, his muscles taut and ready for action.

113. Wrinkled

Meaning: Covered with lines or folds, often a sign of aging skin.
Example: The old woman’s wrinkled hands told stories of a life filled with hard work and love.

114. Wrinkly

Meaning: Small wrinkles or creases are often used to describe skin that has aged.
Example: His wrinkly face smiled warmly, the lines around his eyes deepening with joy.

Final Thoughts

Using the right words to describe people can make your writing come alive. This list of 114 adjectives gives you many options to paint clear pictures of physical traits.

Remember, words are tools. Use them wisely to avoid hurting feelings or making unfair judgments. The goal is to describe, not to criticize.

As you practice, you’ll find choosing the perfect words for your needs easier. Whether you’re writing a story, an article, or just trying to explain how someone looks, these adjectives will help.

Keep this list handy. Refer to it often. Soon, you’ll be able to describe people in ways that make others see exactly what you see.

Why not start now? Pick a person and try describing them using some of these new words.