This list includes 25 personality traits that start with N, from “Naive” to “Nutty”. These traits help students, writers, and self-help readers describe persistent behaviors and tendencies.
Personality traits that start with N are descriptors of habitual behaviors, thoughts, or emotional styles. Some, like “narcissistic”, have deep clinical and cultural histories in psychology and popular media.
Below you’ll find the table with Trait, Definition, Category, Typical behaviors, and Related traits.
Trait: Shows the single-word trait so you can quickly scan and select the exact descriptor you need.
Definition: Gives a concise meaning so you can understand how the trait appears in behavior and thought.
Category: Groups traits by psychological or descriptive categories so you can compare similar tendencies at a glance.
Typical behaviors: Lists common, stable behaviors linked to the trait so you can spot real-world examples quickly.
Related traits: Shows synonyms and nearby traits so you can expand choices for writing or psychological description.
Personality traits that start with N
| Trait | Synonyms (short) | Big Five/HEXACO mapping | Typical valence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naive | Gullible, innocent, trusting | Low Openness/Agreeableness | Negative or Neutral |
| Narcissistic | Vain, self-absorbed, egotistical | Low Agreeableness/Honesty-Humility | Negative |
| Nasty | Unkind, malicious, mean | Low Agreeableness | Negative |
| Natural | Authentic, genuine, unaffected | Other | Positive |
| Naughty | Mischievous, disobedient, impish | Low Conscientiousness/Agreeableness | Neutral to playful-negative |
| Neat | Orderly, tidy, meticulous | Conscientiousness | Positive |
| Needy | Clingy, dependent, insecure | Neuroticism | Negative |
| Negative | Pessimistic, cynical, gloomy | Neuroticism | Negative |
| Negativistic | Oppositional, contrary, resistant | Low Agreeableness | Negative |
| Negligent | Careless, neglectful, irresponsible | Low Conscientiousness | Negative |
| Neighborly | Friendly, helpful, sociable | Agreeableness | Positive |
| Nervous | Anxious, tense, high-strung | Neuroticism | Negative |
| Neurotic | Anxious, moody, emotionally unstable | Neuroticism | Negative |
| Nice | Kind, agreeable, pleasant | Agreeableness | Positive |
| Nimble | Agile, quick-witted, clever | Openness/Other | Positive |
| Nit-picky | Fussy, pedantic, hypercritical | Low Agreeableness/High Conscientiousness | Negative |
| Noble | Honorable, principled, virtuous | Agreeableness/Conscientiousness | Positive |
| Nonchalant | Casual, indifferent, unconcerned | Low Neuroticism | Neutral |
| Noncommittal | Evasive, indecisive, vague | Low Conscientiousness | Negative or Neutral |
| Noncompliant | Defiant, disobedient, rebellious | Low Agreeableness/Conscientiousness | Negative |
| Nonconforming | Unconventional, individualistic, maverick | Openness | Positive or Neutral |
| Nonjudgmental | Accepting, open-minded, impartial | Agreeableness/Openness | Positive |
| Nosy | Prying, intrusive, meddlesome | Low Agreeableness | Negative |
| Nurturing | Caring, supportive, protective | Agreeableness | Positive |
| Nutty | Eccentric, quirky, zany | Openness | Neutral to playful-positive |
Descriptions
Naive
Describes someone who lacks experience, wisdom, or judgment. They may be easily deceived or overly trusting of others, sometimes due to a sheltered upbringing or inherent innocence.
Narcissistic
A trait marked by an excessive interest in oneself, a craving for admiration, and a lack of empathy. Narcissistic individuals often have an inflated sense of their own importance.
Nasty
Describes a person who is deliberately unpleasant, spiteful, or unkind. Their behavior often involves hurtful comments or actions intended to cause distress to others.
Natural
Refers to a person who is unpretentious and true to themselves. They act in a way that is spontaneous and not artificial, making them seem authentic and easy to be around.
Naughty
Often used playfully to describe someone who is mischievous or disobedient. In adults, it can imply a charmingly rebellious or cheeky approach to rules and social norms.
Neat
A trait characterized by a preference for order, cleanliness, and precision. Neat individuals are often well-organized and pay close attention to detail in their environment and work.
Needy
Describes a person who has an excessive emotional or psychological dependence on others. They often require constant reassurance, attention, and support to feel secure.
Negative
Characterizes someone with a tendency to see the worst in situations and people. This trait involves a persistent focus on downsides, flaws, and potential failures.
Negativistic
A tendency to resist suggestions or advice from others, often displaying an oppositional or contrary attitude without a clear reason. It’s a pattern of habitual resistance.
Negligent
Refers to a failure to take proper care in doing something. A negligent person is often careless, irresponsible, and fails to fulfill their duties or obligations.
Neighborly
Describes a person who is friendly, kind, and helpful towards their neighbors and community. This trait reflects a sociable and considerate interpersonal style.
Nervous
As a trait, this refers to a person who is easily agitated or alarmed. They have a predisposition to feel anxious, worried, or apprehensive, even in non-threatening situations.
Neurotic
A core personality dimension characterized by a tendency to experience negative emotions like anxiety, anger, and depression. Highly neurotic people are emotionally reactive and vulnerable to stress.
Nice
A broad trait describing someone who is pleasant, kind, and agreeable in their interactions. Nice people are generally cooperative, considerate, and easy to get along with.
Nimble
While often physical, this trait can describe mental quickness. A nimble-minded person is clever, resourceful, and able to think and understand things quickly and easily.
Nit-picky
Describes someone who is overly concerned with minor, insignificant details. They are often fussy, pedantic, and find fault in things that others would overlook.
Noble
Characterizes a person with high moral principles and ideals. They are honorable, righteous, and demonstrate great integrity and courage in their actions and beliefs.
Nonchalant
Describes a person who appears calm, casual, and unconcerned, especially in situations that might cause others to worry. They project an air of relaxed confidence.
Noncommittal
A tendency to avoid making decisions or committing to a particular course of action. Noncommittal individuals may be evasive or keep their options open to an excessive degree.
Noncompliant
A trait characterized by a refusal to conform to rules, standards, or the requests of others. It often involves a pattern of defiant or disobedient behavior.
Nonconforming
Describes someone who does not follow generally accepted patterns of behavior or thought. They are often individualistic, embrace unconventional ideas, and value their independence.
Nonjudgmental
A trait of refraining from making moral judgments about others. A nonjudgmental person is accepting of people as they are, demonstrating tolerance and an open-minded attitude.
Nosy
Characterizes someone who shows too much curiosity about other people’s private affairs. They are often intrusive, prying, and meddle in matters that do not concern them.
Nurturing
A tendency to care for and encourage the growth and development of others. Nurturing individuals are supportive, protective, and find fulfillment in helping others thrive.
Nutty
A colloquial term for someone who is eccentric, quirky, or unconventional. While it can imply being a bit “crazy,” it’s often used affectionately for someone with a unique and zany personality.