List of Descriptive Words and Adjectives for Personal Traits and

Characteristics.
Able – achiever – active – adaptable – alert - ambitious - analytical - assertive - attentive - broad-minded –
capable - challenge-oriented – competent - conscientious - constructive – cooperative – courageous -
creative- curious - dedicated - dependable - determined - diplomatic- disciplined – dynamic – economical
- effective – efficient – endurance – energetic – enterprising – enthusiastic - far-sighted - fast learner –
firmly – imaginative – independent – logical – motivated – optimistic – organized – original – perceptive –
personable – pleasant – poised – positive – practical – pressure - problem solver – productive – proficient
– progressive – punctual – realistic – reliable – resourceful – responsible - risk-taker - self-reliant - self-
starter – sincere – skilled – sophisticated – successful – systematic – tactful – talented - team member-
trustworthy - willing worker - work well under - work well with others

1 . Being Honest, Truthful, Trustworthy— is frank and open, refraining from lying, stealing, or
cheating
2. Having Integrity— is principled—being of sound moral character, showing courage of convictions, standing up for what is
right.
3. Being Caring/ Compassionate/ Benevolent—shows good will, generosity; charitable, considerate, kind.
4. Doing One’s Civic Duty—abides by the laws and rules; does fair share; participates in community betterment.
5. Having Courage—does what is right, even in the face of personal consequences, rejection by others, or danger.
6. Being Willing to Sacrifice—gives of oneself or one's possessions to help others or for something one believes in.
7. Maintaining Self-Control— is able to stay calm and rational, even under conditions of temptation, stress, or aggravated
assault (such as being teased or "put down') by others.
8. Being just and Fair—treats others as you would want them to treat you; rules applied equitably; does not discriminate on
improper basis.
9. Being Cooperative—gets along well with others, willing to compromise; committed to the concept of neighborhood, society,
country, and world.
10. Being Persevering/ Diligent—puts out best effort and works hard; does not give up easily; keeps trying despite hardships;
self-reliant.
11. Keeping Promises— attempts to keep commitments, reliable, dependable.
12. Doing no harm—considers the potential for physical or emotional harm to others and avoids that harm.
13. Pursuing excellence/ takes pride in work—does one's best; is not unduly influenced by setbacks or external pressures to
do less than one can.
14. Taking personal responsibility—is accountable, dependable, amenable; considers consequences and accepts
responsibility for own actions or inactions; does not shift blame for own mistakes to others.
15. Having Empathy —is able to identify with another's feelings or point of view in order to better understand him/her.
16. Benefiting others —makes decisions that have the potential for a positive effect on others.
17. Having Respect for others —Acknowledges and honors the rights, freedom, and dignity of others.
18. Having Patience -- knows that good products, actions and outcomes take time; can delay gratification; does not leap
before looking.
19. Being Forgiving -- is able to leave upsetting and hurtful things behind; stops the cycle of the hurt to others or oneself; does
not seek revenge.
20. Making Peace -- is able to compromise, to talk things out without resorting to violence, to seek solutions to problems that
will be in everyone's best interests; values calmness and safety.

The "PESKY FOUR" (The ones that pose exceptional difficulties in application. )
21. Having Fidelity/ Loyal -- shows faithfulness, trustworthiness, keeps commitments, doesn't talk behind others' backs,
remains a good friend even in hard times. Problem: Essential to in-group survival, but has also been used to justify immoral
acts against outsiders; allows for protection of destructive members within the group—punishes within-group members for
attempting to weed out its unethical or unfit, even if the group might be harmed if the immoral behavior continues (Snitch
syndrome).
22. Respecting Autonomy --- respects the rights of individuals to decide how to live their lives. Problem #1: Essential to a free
society, but what if the decisions are harmful (physically, mentally, or morally) to themselves or others? Problem #2: What
are the markers (age, illness, actions) for withholding autonomy?
23. Being Tolerant —is able to recognize and respect the differences among people, does not discriminate just because
someone is different; acknowledges positive characteristics, not just limitations. Problem: Does everyone deserve
tolerance? Current debate is whether tolerance for diversity has blunted people's interest and ability to make sound moral
judgments about others and even themselves (that is, diversity, as in “anything goes" or "whatever ... “).
24. Having Self-respect -- has due regard for one's own reputation and long-term image of a "good" person; does not abuse
one’s own body or act in trivial ways that are dangerous to oneself; cares about one's own Yourself? (Your conscience ?)
character: is comfortable with oneself (self-esteem). Problem: Potential for self-absorption and narcissism.

My additions to Keith-Spiegel's list.

25. Competitiveness

26. Valuing Life