Describing Moral Traits: English Vocabulary List

having the ability to understand and share the feelings, emotions, and experiences of others

"She is empathetic."

"The empathetic teacher noticed that one of her students was sad and she quietly asked him if everything was okay at home after class."

fulfilling one's duties and responsibilities with a sense of loyalty and obedience

"He is a dutiful son."

"The dutiful son visited his elderly mother every day even though the nursing home was far from his house and he had a very busy schedule."

not conforming to accepted moral values

"The movie was indecent."

"The man made an indecent comment to a woman on the street and a bystander called the police to report his disgusting and inappropriate behavior."

lacking in honor, integrity, or moral principles, often bringing shame or disgrace

"The act was dishonorable."

"The soldier received a dishonorable discharge from the army after he was caught stealing supplies and selling them for his own personal profit."

giving an impression that is misleading, false, or deceitful, often leading to misunderstanding or mistaken belief

"The smile was deceptive."

"The company used deceptive advertising to make their products seem more effective than they actually were and many customers felt cheated after buying them."

displaying behavior that hides true intentions or feelings to mislead or trick

"His words were deceitful."

"The deceitful friend lied about where she had been and she pretended to be sick when actually she had gone to a party without inviting anyone else."

not appreciating or acknowledging kindness, often taking things for granted

"You are ungrateful."

"The ungrateful teenager complained about the new phone her parents gave her for her birthday because it was not the expensive model that she had wanted."