Adjectives That Start With J | List & Examples

There aren’t that many adjectives (words that describe a noun) that start with J. A few of the most common adjectives that start with J are:

  • Jolly
  • Jovial
  • Joyful
  • Jubilant
  • Juicy
  • Jumbo
  • Just
  • Jaded
  • Jealous
  • Jobless
  • Jagged
  • Joint
  • Junior

Positive adjectives that start with J

This is a list of adjectives that start with J with a positive connotation:

  • Jaunty: Cheery; jolly; bouncy
  • Jaw-dropping: Astonishing; flabbergasting; amazing
  • Jazzy: Stylish, flashy
  • Jesting: Humorous; jokey
  • Jewel-like: Like a jewel; precious
  • Jocular: Joking; light-hearted
  • Jolly: Cheery; happy
  • Jovial: Fun; joking
  • Joyful: Very happy; celebratory
  • Joyous: Joyful; wonderful
  • Jubilant: Celebratory; joyful
  • Judicious: Wise; sensible
  • Juicy: Succulent; moist; ripe
  • Jumbo: Huge
  • Just: Fair
Positive adjectives that start with J examples
It was a just decision, showing the magistrate’s judicious insight.

The whole event was characterized by a joyful, jubilant, and joyous atmosphere.

The jumbo-sized portions were jaw-dropping in their size, but the meat was also juicy and delicious.

Negative adjectives that start with J

Here’s a list of adjectives that start with a J with a negative connotation. If these were applied to a person, they would almost always be considered insults.

  • Jaded: Dulled; sated
  • Jarring: Clashing; discordant; shocking
  • Jaundiced: Bitter; resentful; suffering from jaundice
  • Jealous: Envious, jaundiced
  • Jinxed: Cursed with bad luck
  • Jobless: Unemployed
  • Jittery: Nervous; edgy; fidgety
  • Joyless: Miserable; lackluster
  • Judgmental: Over-critical; supercilious; unforgiving
  • Jumpy: Edgy; anxious; easily startled
  • Junky: Worthless; trashy
Negative adjectives that start with J examples
Ian was currently jobless and struggled not to be jealous of his working friends.

The jarring cymbals were exactly what Amir needed in his current jittery, jumpy state.

Some people clearly stay in their jobs too long, becoming jaundiced, joyless, and judgmental.

Neutral adjectives that start with J

The following adjectives that start with J have neither a positive nor negative connotation.

  • Jagged: With sharp points; uneven
  • Jerky: Spasmodic; not smooth (movement); twitchy
  • Joint: Shared
  • Judicial: Regarding legal matters; legal
  • Jumbled: Muddled up; confused; disordered
  • Junior: Younger; lower in seniority
  • Jurassic: Relating to the geological period
  • Justifiable: Warranted; valid; legitimate
Neutral adjectives that start with J examples
The couple was given joint custody of their children which was seen as the only justifiable course of action in the circumstances.

The notes had been taken by a new, junior clerk and were rather jumbled and unclear.

Driving across the jagged ridges in the dirt track produced a jerky and very uncomfortable ride.

Adjectives with other letters

If you’re looking for adjectives that start with another letter, you can visit one of our other articles.

Adjectives with A Adjectives with F Adjectives with L Adjectives with Q Adjectives with V
Adjectives with B Adjectives with G Adjectives with M Adjectives with R Adjectives with W
Adjectives with C Adjectives with H Adjectives with N Adjectives with S Adjectives with X
Adjectives with D Adjectives with I Adjectives with O Adjectives with T Adjectives with Y
Adjectives with E Adjectives with K Adjectives with P Adjectives with U Adjectives with Z

Frequently asked questions about adjectives with J

What are some adjectives starting with J to describe a person?

Some adjectives that start with J to describe a person include:

  • Jolly
  • Joyful
  • Jubilant
  • Judicious
  • Just
  • Jealous
  • Judgmental
  • Jobless
  • Junior
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Trevor Marshall, MSc

Trevor has a BA in English Literature & Language and an MSc in Applied Social Studies. He has been a teacher for 25 years, with 15 years experience teaching ESL alongside 1st language students.