Adjectives That Start with L

Here are our top 50 adjectives that start with "l":

1. lackadaisical - showing absolutely no interest or enthusiasm
2. lackluster - boring or without much energy; dull
3. lacy - trimmed with or covered in lace; having a lace-like appearance
4. ladylike - proper behavior, exhibiting manners suitable for a lady
5. lame - weak or unconvincing; having an injured leg or foot
6. lanky - very tall and thin
7. lamentable - bad or unsatisfactory
8. languid - without energy, enthusiasm, sluggish
9. large - sizable, having an extensive capacity
10. lascivious - expressing lust or desire
11. late - after expected or allowed; just before the end of something
12. latent - something present within someone or something but rarely used
13. latter - the second of two; closer to the end than the beginning
14. laudable - worthy of being praised
15. laureled - adorned or crowned to signify victory
16. lavender - light purple in color
17. lavish - generous or liberal in giving; elaborate, luxurious
18. lawful - legal, consistent with what is allowed under the law
19. lawless - not legal, done without consideration for what the law requires
20. lax - someone or something that's not strict or firm; loose, slack
21. lazy - lacking effort or energy; without a drive to work or accomplish tasks
22. leaden - to feel sluggish, slow, or lacking in energy
23. leafless - without any leaves
24. leaflike - resembling a leaf in shape or appearance
25. leathery - dried out with a texture that is tough
26. leafy - having quite a few leaves
27. lethal - harmful, destructive, causing (or likely to cause) death
28. lecherous - given to excessive, offensive desire
29. leftover - surplus amount, quantity remaining after original use
30. legible - text that is sufficiently clear to be read
31. legitimate - something that is obtained or owned in an appropriate or legal manner
32. lemonlike - having a tart and/or sour flavor similar to that of a lemon
33. lengthy - taking a long time, protracted
34. lenient - someone or something that's not harsh or strict
35. liable - being accountable or responsible for something
36. lifelong - remaining throughout the entirety of someone’s life
37. lifesize - something that is as large as the person or items it depicts
38. likable - having a pleasant demeanor that people find easy to like
39. limber - able to move smoothly, flexible
40. literate - having the ability to read and write
41. loaded - filled completely; having an excessive amount or an abundance of something
42. logical - conclusion derived via sound reasoning, fact-based reasoning
43. loopy - slightly crazy, confused, eccentric
44. loquacious - very talkative
45. loutish - uncouth or aggressive
46. lowly - low in status or humble
47. lucid - understandable, information that is expressed clearly
48. lucky - positive outcome that occurs by chance
49. lugubrious - sad, dismal, gloomy, especially in an exaggerated way
50. luxuriant - relating to richness and extravagance; lush, fertile

Whether you’re using an L-adjective to describe someone or something, there are plenty of ways to use these descriptive words in sentences.

• I am hungry enough to eat a large pizza by myself.
• I’m hoping for a low-cost vacation rental this late in the season.
• Susie is the lawful owner of a vacation home at the beach.
• My homeroom teacher is pretty lax with the rules.
• To harvest dried beans, let the pods get leathery on the vine.
• I’m looking forward to eating leftover soup for lunch tomorrow.
• Bob’s class notes are surprisingly legible.
• I prefer sodas with a lemonlike flavor over colas.
• The commencement speech was too lengthy for my liking.
• The new student in my class seems likable enough.
• Lisa and I have a lifelong friendship.
• Tracy says that she feels very limber after completing a yoga class.
• I am not very literate with regards to medical terminology.
• My favorite menu item at that restaurant is a loaded baked potato.
• Becoming general manager seems like a logical step up from assistant manager.
• I felt a bit loopy after taking pain medication for my injury.
• I’ll be just a lowly freshman when I start college next year.
• It takes a little while for me to be lucid after waking up from a deep sleep.
• I got lucky with my first gardening experience.
• I’m looking forward to a lazy and relaxing day at the spa.

Now that you have a lovely list of adjectives that start with "l" in your back pocket, you can practice using these adjectives in a sentence with a quick practice test. Simply select from the adjectives above to complete the sentences. Please note that it is possible for more than one word to fit.

1. Since Marta broke up with her boyfriend she has been feeling very __________. She needs some cheering up!
2. I'm so mad at Joe because he forgot to pick me up at the airport. When I asked him why, he made some ___________ excuse.
3. Everyone loves Mr. York because he is quite ___________ when it comes to giving homework.
4. The play got bad reviews in the paper, mostly because of the main actor's ___________ performance.
5. Although Tim comes across as ______________, he is not always silly and is actually very smart.
6. I don't go to that cafe anymore because the waiters are so ______________. It is like they do not want to be working.
7. My friend spared no expense on her ______________ wedding reception.
8. Michelle has a ______________ artistic side. She used to paint 10 years ago.

Answer Key: 1. languid or lugubrious; 2. lame; 3. lax or lenient; 4. lackluster; 5. loopy; 6. lackadaisical; 7. lavish; 8. Latent

You may also find these adjective worksheets to be helpful.

Of course, there are different types of adjectives. Once you practice using these adjectives that start with "l," review a list of common adjectives that start with a variety of different letters. From there, explore some positive adjectives and consider how to most effectively incorporate them into your vocabulary. You’ll be on your way to effectively using descriptive words in your writing and conversations.