Having trouble articulating your emotions? Increasing your “emotional vocabulary” might help. Here is a handy list of feeling words to help.

We have categorized feeling words into three categories:

• Off-limits feelings, or “cue” feelings: these are feelings that should be used as cues that something deeper is going on — not as healthy emotions from which to communicate. Generally, angry spectrum feelings and non-specific feelings fall into this category.
• Vulnerable feelings: these are the deep, meaningful feelings that we generally need to be understood about in order to establish real connection.
• Pleasant feelings: there are lots of words to describe good feelings, too!

OFF-LIMITS OR “CUE” FEELINGS

Angry – Annoyed – Bitter – Enraged – Fuming – Furious – Hateful – Incensed – Indignant – Infuriated – Irate – Irritated – Livid – Outraged – Resentful

Aversion – Animosity – Appalled – Contempt – Disgusted – Hate – Horrified – Hostile – Repulsed

Uncomfortable or Upset (these are off limits because they are too vague — they are umbrella terms that can be used to describe any unpleasant feeling, and we encourage you to find more specific feelings to describe your experience.

VULNERABLE FEELINGS

Afraid – Apprehensive – Dread – Fearful – Frightened – Mistrustful – Panicked – Petrified – Scared – Suspicious – Terrified – Threatened – Timid – Wary – Worried

Confused – Baffled – Bewildered – Dazed – Distrustful – Doubtful – Indecisive – Lost – Misgiving – Mystified – Puzzled – Skeptical – Torn – Unbelieving – Unsure

Disconnected – Apathetic – Bored – Detached – Disinterested – Distant – Distracted – Indifferent – Lonely – Numb – Preoccupied – Removed – Reserved – Uninterested

Disquiet – Disconcerted – Disturbed – Perturbed – Restless – Shocked – Startled – Surprised – Troubled – Uneasy – Unnerved – Unsettled

Embarrassed – Ashamed – Chagrined – Flustered – Guilty – Humiliated – Mortified – Self-Conscious

Fatigue – Burnt out – Depleted – Exhausted – Lethargic – Listless – Sleepy – Tired – Weary – Worn out

Helpless – Alone – Dominated – Empty – Forced – Fragile – Guarded – Hesitant – Incapable – Inferior – Insecure – Paralyzed – Powerless – Shaky – Useless – Vulnerable

Hurt – Aching – Afflicted – Anguished – Bereaved – Crushed – Dejected – Devastated – Heartbroken – Injured – Offended – Rejected – Tormented – Victimized – Wronged

Sad – A sense of loss – Anguish – Despair – Desperate – Despondent – Desolate – Disappointed – Discouraged – Disheartened – Dismayed – Dissatisfied – Gloomy – Heavy-hearted – Hopeless – Lousy – Miserable – Repugnant – Sorrowful – Sulky – Tearful

Tense – Agitated – Anxious – Cranky – Distressed – Distraught – Edgy – Fidgety – Irritable – Jittery – Nervous – Overwhelmed

Yearning – Envious – Jealous – Longing – Nostalgic – Wistful

PLEASANT FEELINGS

Confident – Bold – Brave – Courageous – Daring – Determined – Empowered – Intent – Keen – Open – Proud – Safe – Secure

Engaged – Absorbed – Affected – Alert – Concerned – Curious – Engrossed – Enchanted – Entranced – Fascinated – Interested – Intrigued – Inquisitive – Involved – Spellbound – Spirited – Stimulated

Excited – Amazed – Animated – Ardent – Aroused – Astonished – Blissful – Dazzled – Eager – Ecstatic – Elated – Energetic – Enthralled – Enthusiastic – Exuberant – Frisky – Giddy – Invigorated – Liberated – Lively – Passionate – Radiant – Rapturous – Surprised – Thrilled – Vibrant

Grateful – Appreciative – Moved – Thankful – Touched

Happy – Amused – Blessed – Bright – Calm – Certain – Cheerful – Comfortable – Content – Delighted – Ecstatic – Encouraged – Enthusiastic – Festive – Fortunate – Glad – Gleeful – Great – Hopeful – Important – Joyous – Jubilant – Lucky – Merry – Overjoyed – Peaceful – Playful – Pleased – Reassured – Relaxed – Satisfied – Serene – Sunny – Surprised – Thankful – Thrilled – Tickled – Wonderful

Hopeful – Expectant – Encouraged – Optimistic

Inspired – Amazed – Awed – Wonder

Love – Admiration – Affectionate – Close – Comforted – Compassionate – Considerate – Devoted – Drawn toward – Friendly – Passionate – Sensitive – Sympathy – Tender – Touched – Warm

Open – Accepting – Easy – Free – Interested – Kind – Receptive – Reliable – Satisfied – Sympathetic – Understanding

Peaceful – Calm – Clear-headed – Comfortable – Centered – Content – Fulfilled – Mellow – Quiet – Relaxed – Relieved – Satisfied – Serene – Still – Tranquil – Trusting

Refreshed – Enlivened – Rejuvenated – Renewed – Rested – Restored – Revived

Strong – Certain – Dynamic – Free – Hardy – Impulsive – Rebellious – Secure – Sure – Tenacious – Unique