Home » Blog » Self-Development » Personality, Character & Values » Negative Character Traits List – 98 Negative Qualities & Examples

Negative Character Traits List – 98 Negative Qualities & Examples

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

Looking for a list of negative character traits? Here’s a list of 98 negative character traits and qualities with examples.

Negative Character Traits List - 98 Negative Character Traits & Examples | SaturdayGift
Negative Character Traits List – 98 Negative Character Traits & Examples

Negative character traits list (in alphabetical order)

Here’s a list of 98 common negative character traits in alphabetical order.

This list is not exhaustive and does not include all negative traits, but it’s pretty thorough and an excellent tool to define them.

Negative Character Traits List - Vertical - Alphabetical order - green | SaturdayGift
List of Negative Character Traits

A

  • Apathetic
  • Arrogant

B

  • Boastful

C

  • Careless
  • Cautious
  • Complacent
  • Conceited
  • Cowardly
  • Cruel
  • Cynical
Negative Character Traits List - Portrait - Alphabetical order | SaturdayGift
List of negative character traits in alphabetical order

D

  • Deceitful
  • Defensive
  • Defiant
  • Dependent
  • Dishonest
  • Dishonorable
  • Disloyal
  • Disorganized
  • Disrespectful
  • Disruptive
  • Distant
  • Domineering

E

  • Egocentric
  • Egotistical
  • Evasive
Negative Character Traits List - Landscape - Alphabetical order - Beige | SaturdayGift
Negative Character Traits List - Vertical - Alphabetical order - green | SaturdayGift

G

  • Gossipy
  • Greedy
  • Gullible

H

  • Hedonistic
  • Hypocritical

I

  • Impatient
  • Impertinent
  • Impolite
  • Impulsive
  • Inattentive
  • Inconsiderate
  • Inconsistent
  • Indecisive
  • Indifferent
  • Indulgent
  • Inept
  • Inflexible
  • Insensitive
  • Invasive
  • Irresponsible
  • Irritable
Negative Character Traits List - Horizontal - Alphabetical order - Grey | SaturdayGift
Negative Character Traits List - Horizontal - Alphabetical order - Pink | SaturdayGift

J

  • Judgmental

L

  • Lazy

M

  • Malevolent
  • Malicious
  • Manipulative
  • Materialistic
  • Melodramatic
  • Miserly
  • Moocher
Negative Character Traits List - Portrait - Alphabetical order - black & white | SaturdayGift
Negative Character Traits List - Horizontal - Alphabetical order - Green | SaturdayGift

N

  • Nagging
  • Narcissistic
  • Narrow-minded
  • Needy
  • Neglectful
  • Neurotic
  • Nonchalant

O

  • Obnoxious
  • Overbearing
  • Overcritical
  • Overly Competitive
Negative Character Traits List - Vertical - Alphabetical order - grey | SaturdayGift

P

  • Paranoid
  • Pessimistic
  • Procrastinating

R

  • Rash
  • Reckless
  • Reclusive
  • Resentful
  • Revengeful
  • Rigid
  • Rude
  • Ruthless
Negative Character Traits List - Horizontal - Alphabetical order | SaturdayGift
Negative Character Traits List - Landscape - Alphabetical order - Black & White | SaturdayGift

S

  • Sarcastic
  • Scheming
  • Secretive
  • Selfish
  • Sneaky
  • Spiteful
  • Stubborn
  • Superficial
Negative Character Traits List - Vertical - Alphabetical order - beige | SaturdayGift

U

  • Unaccountable
  • Unappreciative
  • Uncooperative
  • Ungrateful
  • Unmotivated
  • Unreliable
  • Unsympathetic
  • Untrustworthy

V

  • Vague
  • Vain
  • Vengeful
  • Vindictive

W

  • Withdrawn
Negative Character Traits List - Vertical - Alphabetical order - pink | SaturdayGift

Download negative character traits list PDF (in alphabetical order)

Download the negative character traits list PDF in alphabetical order. You can download the printable lists by clicking the download link under the images.

Paper size: US letter, but some are resizable (to A4 and other sizes).

All designs (free printables) ©SaturdayGift Ltd. For personal use only, not to be copied, distributed, altered, or sold.

Portrait printable lists of negative character traits in alphabetical order | SaturdayGift
Portrait printable lists of negative character traits in alphabetical order
Landscape printable lists of negative character traits in alphabetical order | SaturdayGift
Landscape printable lists of negative character traits in alphabetical order
Negative Character List - Alphabetical order - Black and White Horizontal | SaturdayGift
Black & White landscape printable lists of negative character traits in alphabetical order

DOWNLOAD: Negative Character Traits List (PDF) – traits in alphabetical order – VERTICAL Black & White

DOWNLOAD: Negative Character Traits List (PDF) – traits in alphabetical order – HORIZONTAL Black & White

DOWNLOAD: Negative Character Traits List (PDF) – traits in alphabetical order – PORTRAIT 4 colors (Grey, Pink, Beige & Green)

DOWNLOAD: Negative Character Traits List (PDF) – traits in alphabetical order – LANDSCAPE 4 colors (Grey, Pink, Beige & Green)

Want the negative character traits lists by categories instead? You can find them next + the Negative Character Traits lists by category PDFs.

Negative character trait list (by category)

Here’s a list of 98 negative characteristics and negative qualities. 

In this post, the negative traits are categorized under these categories.

The categories are not carved in stone, and some traits may fit into more than one category. So please use these categories as a guide and not as an absolute method of defining negative character traits.

The categories are:

  • Arrogance and Ego-Centrism
  • Dishonesty and Deception
  • Impulsiveness and Lack of Self-Control
  • Insensitivity and Cruelty
  • Neglect and Irresponsibility
  • Selfishness and Greed
  • Stubbornness and Inflexibility

Please note that this is just one way to categorize these traits.

Arrogance and Ego Centrism

  • Arrogant
  • Boastful
  • Conceited
  • Egocentric
  • Egotistical
  • Impertinent
  • Narcissistic
  • Overbearing
  • Rigid
  • Superficial
  • Vain
Negative Character Traits List - Vertical - Categories | SaturdayGift

Dishonesty and Deception

  • Cynical
  • Deceitful
  • Dishonest
  • Dishonorable
  • Evasive
  • Gossipy
  • Gullible
  • Hypocritical
  • Invasive
  • Judgmental
  • Malevolent
  • Malicious
  • Manipulative
  • Scheming
  • Secretive
  • Sneaky
  • Untrustworthy
  • Vague
Negative Character Traits List - Landscape - Categories - Grey | SaturdayGift
Negative Character Traits List - Landscape - Categories - Pink | SaturdayGift

Impulsiveness and Lack of Self Control

  • Cautious
  • Impulsive
  • Procrastinating
  • Rash
  • Reckless
  • Impatient
Negative Character Traits List - Landscape - Categories - Green | SaturdayGift

Insensitivity and Cruelty

  • Cruel
  • Disrespectful
  • Impolite
  • Inattentive
  • Inconsiderate
  • Insensitive
  • Irritable
  • Melodramatic
  • Narrow-minded
  • Rude
  • Ruthless
  • Sarcastic
  • Spiteful
  • Unappreciative
  • Unsympathetic
  • Vengeful
  • Vindictive
Negative Character Traits List - Landscape - Categories - Beige | SaturdayGift
Negative Character Traits List - Portrait - Categories - pink | SaturdayGift

Neglect and Irresponsibility

  • Apathetic
  • Careless
  • Complacent
  • Cowardly
  • Dependent
  • Disloyal
  • Disorganized
  • Disruptive
  • Distant
  • Inconsistent
  • Indecisive
  • Indifferent
  • Indulgent
  • Inept
  • Irresponsible
  • Lazy
  • Nagging
  • Neglectful
  • Neurotic
  • Nonchalant
  • Obnoxious
  • Overcritical
  • OverlyCompetitive
  • Paranoid
  • Pessimistic
  • Reclusive
  • Resentful
  • Revengeful
  • Unaccountable
  • Uncooperative
  • Ungrateful
  • Unmotivated
  • Unreliable
  • Withdrawn
Negative Character Traits List - Portrait - Categories - green | SaturdayGift
Negative Character Traits List - Horizontal - Categories | SaturdayGift
Negative Character Traits List - Portrait - Categories - grey | SaturdayGift

Selfishness and Greed

  • Egocentric
  • Egotistical
  • Greedy
  • Hedonistic
  • Materialistic
  • Miserly
  • Moocher
  • Needy
  • Selfish
Negative Character Traits List - Horizontal - Categories - Black & White | SaturdayGift

Stubbornness and Inflexibility

  • Defensive
  • Defiant
  • Domineering
  • Inflexible
  • Stubborn
Negative Character Traits List - Portrait - Categories - beige | SaturdayGift

Download negative character traits list PDF (by category)

Here, you can download the free printable negative character traits list.

You can download the printable list of traits by clicking the download links under the images.

Negative Character Traits List by cateogy - 98 Personal Traits - Vertical | SaturdayGift
Portrait printable lists of negative traits by categories
Negative Character Traits List - 98 Traits - by Categories - Beige Green Pink Grey Horizontal | SaturdayGift
Landscape printable lists of negative traits by categories
Negative Character Traits List by Categories - Black and White Horizontal | SaturdayGift
Negative Character Traits by Categories – black & white lists

DOWNLOAD: Negative Character Traits List (PDF) – by category – VERTICAL Black & White

DOWNLOAD: Negative Character Traits List (PDF) – by category – HORIZONTAL Black & White

DOWNLOAD: Negative Character Traits List (PDF) – by category – PORTRAIT 4 colors (Green, Beige, Pink & Grey)

DOWNLOAD: Negative Character Traits List (PDF) – by category – LANDSCAPE 4 colors (Green, Beige, Pink & Grey)

Examples of negative character traits

#Negative TraitExample
1Apathetic Lacks interest or enthusiasm for anything.
2Arrogant Displays an exaggerated sense of self-importance.
3Boastful Excessively brags about achievements or possessions.
4Careless Displays a lack of attention to detail or caution.
5Cautious Exhibits excessive fear or hesitation.
6Complacent Satisfied with mediocrity and lacks ambition.
7Conceited Overly proud and self-centered.
8Cowardly Lacks courage and avoids facing fear or danger.
9Cruel Inflicts harm or suffering on others intentionally.
10Cynical Distrustful of others’ motives and sincerity.
11Deceitful Engages in dishonesty or falsehoods.
12Defensive Reacts to criticism with denial and hostility.
13Defiant Disobeys rules or authority intentionally.
14Dependent Relies excessively on others for support.
15Dishonest Untruthful and lacking in integrity.
16Dishonorable Acts without integrity or moral principles.
17Disloyal Betrays trust or allegiance to others.
18Disorganized Lacks order and structure in tasks.
19Disrespectful Shows a lack of regard or courtesy for others.
20Disruptive Causes disturbance or chaos in situations.
21Distant Keeps emotional or physical distance from others.
22Domineering Exerts control and authority over others.
23Egocentric Places oneself at the center of all matters and self-interest above all else. 
24Egotistical Excessively self-centered and conceited.
25Evasive Dodges questions or avoids giving direct answers.
1-25 examples of negative character traits
#Negative TraitExample
26Gossipy Spreads rumors and talks behind others’ backs.
27Greedy Excessively desires wealth or possessions.
28Gullible Easily deceived or manipulated by others.
29Hedonistic Pursues pleasure and self-indulgence above all else.
30Hypocritical Acts in a way that contradicts stated beliefs.
31Impatient Unable or unwilling to tolerate delays or obstacles.
32Impertinent Disrespectfully intrusive and rude.
33Impolite Exhibits rudeness and lack of courtesy.
34Impulsive Acts without forethought or careful consideration.
35Inattentive Fails to pay proper attention or focus.
36Inconsiderate Fails to show thoughtfulness or concern for others.
37Inconsistent Behaves unpredictably or unreliably.
38Indecisive Struggles to make choices or decisions.
39Indifferent Lacks interest or concern for others’ well-being.
40Indulgent Gives in to desires and cravings without restraint.
41Inept Lacks skill or competence.
42Inflexible Resistant to change or adapting to new circumstances.
43Insensitive Lacks empathy and is unaware of others’ feelings.
44Invasive Invades personal boundaries without permission.
45Irresponsible Fails to fulfill duties and obligations.
46Irritable Easily annoyed or angered.
47Judgmental Forms critical opinions about others without understanding.
48Lazy Avoids effort or taking initiative and procrastinates tasks.
49Malevolent Displays a deliberate desire to do evil or harm to others.
50Malicious Intends to cause harm or suffering to others.
26-50 examples of negative character traits
#Negative TraitExample
51Manipulative Seeks to control or deceive others for personal gain.
52Materialistic Places excessive value on material possessions.
53Melodramatic Exaggerates emotions for attention.
54Miserly Extremely reluctant to spend or share resources.
55Moocher Habitually takes advantage of others.
56Nagging Constantly complains or criticizes others.
57Narcissistic Obsessed with oneself and lacks empathy.
58Narrow-minded Resistant to new ideas or perspectives.
59Needy Constantly seeks attention and validation from others.
60NeglectfulFails to fulfill responsibilities or obligations, often resulting in harm or neglect to others.
61Neurotic Exhibits excessive anxiety and irrational behaviors.
62Nonchalant Displays indifference or lack of interest.
63Obnoxious Acts in an offensive and annoying manner.
64Overbearing Dominates or controls others with forceful behavior.
65Overcritical Excessively critical and fault-finding.
66Overly Competitive Excessively focused on winning and outdoing others.
67Paranoid Exhibits irrational distrust of others’ intentions.
68Pessimistic Frequently and habitually anticipates negative outcomes.
69Procrastinating Delays or postpones tasks unnecessarily.
70Rash Acts hastily and without caution.
71Reckless Acts impulsively without considering consequences.
72Reclusive Avoids social interactions excessively.
73Resentful Holds grudges and feels bitter toward others.
74Revengeful Seeks retribution for perceived wrongs.
75Rigid Inflexible and resistant to change or compromise.
51-75 examples of negative character traits
#Negative TraitExample
76Rude Displays impolite and offensive behavior.
77Ruthless Shows no mercy or compassion in actions.
78Sarcastic Uses mocking or ironic remarks to belittle others.
79Scheming Plans and plots to deceive or manipulate.
80Secretive Withholds information or intentions from others.
81Selfish Prioritizes one’s own interests above others.
82Sneaky Behaves in a secretive and deceitful manner.
83Spiteful Deliberately harms or annoys others out of malice.
84Stubborn Refuses to yield or change opinions or course of action.
85Superficial Prioritizes shallow and surface-level qualities.
86Unaccountable Evades responsibility for actions or decisions.
87Unappreciative Fails to express gratitude or recognition.
88Uncooperative Resists working with others or following instructions.
89Ungrateful Fails to show appreciation or thankfulness.
90Unmotivated Lacks drive or enthusiasm for goals.
91Unreliable Cannot be depended upon to fulfill commitments.
92Unsympathetic Lacks empathy, compassion or understanding for others’ emotions and suffering.
93Untrustworthy Lacks reliability and cannot be depended upon.
94Vague Communicates unclearly or ambiguously.
95Vain Excessively concerned with one’s appearance and ego.
96Vengeful Seeks retaliation for perceived injustices.
97Vindictive Seeks revenge or retaliation against perceived wrongs.
98Withdrawn Avoids social interactions and emotional connections.
76-98 examples of negative character traits

Download negative character traits lists with examples

Negative Character Traits List - Examples of Negative Character Traits | SaturdayGift
Negative Character Traits List: Examples of Negative Character Traits

DOWNLOAD: Negative Character Traits List – Examples of Negative Character Traits PDF – 3 PAGES

Positive character traits list

Here you can find a list of positive personality traits. 

POST: Positive Character Traits List – 100 Good Qualities & Examples

Character traits list

Here’s a list of positive, negative, and neutral character traits.

POST: Character Traits List – 115+ Examples of Character Traits (Positive, Negative, Neutral & Unique Traits)

Personality trait list

And here’s the personality trait list. 

POST: Personality Traits List – 137+ Examples of Personality Traits

Core values list

Here, you can find the list of core values.

POST: Core Values: Examples of 150+ Personal Values + Core Values List PDF

What is a negative character trait?

A negative character trait is an undesirable quality or characteristic that can harm an individual’s personal and professional life. 

These negative traits can manifest in different forms, such as behavior, attitude, emotions, thoughts, and actions. 

Negative personality traits impact the individual and those around them, leading to conflicts and even strained relationships.

We all have positive and negative characteristics that make us who we are. 

While positive character traits can lead to success and happiness, negative ones can hold us back from reaching our full potential and forming healthy relationships. 

It’s important to recognize and acknowledge our negative traits to work towards improving them or finding ways to counteract their effects. 

The downsides of negative character traits

Negative character traits can hinder personal growth, damage interpersonal relationships, and limit opportunities for success. 

They can also contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. 

Some negative traits may seem harmless or even beneficial in small doses. For example, a little bit of stubbornness can be seen as determination. 

However, when these traits become excessive, unchecked, or a dominant part of one’s personality, they can cause harm.

Furthermore, these negative traits can prevent individuals from reaching their full potential and achieving their goals.

Negative vs positive personality trait

A positive personality trait is a desirable quality or characteristic (like good self-esteem or emotional stability) that can positively impact an individual’s life. 

On the other hand, a negative personality trait is an undesirable quality or characteristic that negatively impacts an individual’s life. 

While positive traits can lead to personal and professional success, negative traits can hold individuals back from reaching their full potential.

Identifying and working on negative traits while cultivating positive ones for overall improvement is essential.

How to overcome negative qualities in 5 steps

You might have a negative personality trait (or two) you are not too keen on. And give you negative emotions and thoughts. 

But there is no need to despair; negative traits are not set in stone. 

With self-awareness, determination, and practice, you can overcome them. Here are five steps to help you:

1) Recognize the negative attributes

The first step is identifying the negative trait or quality you want to work on.

Identifying and acknowledging even one trait that has a negative impact on your life is the first step toward overcoming it.

2) Understand its root cause

Dig deep and understand the underlying reasons for this trait, whether from past experiences, insecurities, or other factors.

Reflect on why and how the negative quality manifests in your behavior. Understanding its root cause can help you address it effectively.

3) Set goals for change

Decide on specific actions or behaviors that will counteract the negative trait and set achievable goals.

Look into your core values and positive character traits and strive to align your goals with them.

4) Practice positive actions 

Develop coping mechanismsFind healthy ways to cope with triggers and situations that may lead to this negative trait manifesting. It takes time for new behaviors to become habits. Practice consistently and consciously to overcome the negative attributes.

5) Seek support

Changing behavior can be challenging, and asking for help is okay. Seek support from friends, family, a coach, or a therapist if needed.

Learn more about how to build character from this post:

POST: How To Build Character – Unleashing Your Inner Excellence

Get inspired by these character quotes:

POST: Character Quotes – 41 Motivational Quotes About Character

Conclusion

Having negative traits is a normal part of being human.

However, recognizing and actively working on them can lead to personal growth and positive changes in one’s life.

With self-awareness, determination, and support, anyone can overcome negative qualities and cultivate positive ones for a happier and more fulfilling life.

So don’t be too hard on yourself; instead, focus on progress, not perfection.

Keep working on yourself, and never stop striving for personal improvement.

Remember, you have the power to shape your own character and become the best version of yourself.

Keep aiming for positive traits and values to bring out the best in you and others.

Your journey towards a better self starts now.

Happy self-improvement!

Pin for Later or Share on Facebook!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I accept the Privacy Policy