List of feelings

A non-exhaustive list of words describing feelings

In Non-Violent Communication, naming a feeling precisely is the first step toward understanding what's underneath it. It's easy to default to vague words like good or bad, but the more specific the word, the clearer the need it points back to. This list is split into two parts: feelings that tend to show up when our needs are met, and feelings that tend to show up when they're not. Use it next time you want to check in with yourself, or really hear someone else.

Feelings when your needs are satisfied

Affectionate

compassionate, friendly, loving, open hearted, sympathetic, tender, warm

Engaged

absorbed, alert, curious, engrossed, enchanted, entranced, fascinated, interested, intrigued, involved, spellbound, stimulated

Hopeful

expectant, encouraged, optimistic

Confident

empowered, open, proud, safe, secure

Excited

amazed, animated, ardent, aroused, astonished, dazzled, eager, energetic, enthusiastic, giddy, invigorated, lively, passionate, surprised, vibrant

Grateful

appreciative, moved, thankful, touched

Inspired

amazed, awed, wonder

Joyful

amused, delighted, glad, happy, jubilant, pleased, tickled

Exhilarated

blissful, ecstatic, elated, enthralled, exuberant, radiant, rapturous, thrilled

Peaceful

calm, clear headed, comfortable, centered, content, equanimous, fulfilled, mellow, relaxed, relieved, satisfied, serene, still, tranquil, trusting

Refreshed

enlivened, rejuvenated, renewed, rested, restored, revived

Feelings when your needs are not satisfied

Afraid

apprehensive, dread, foreboding, frightened, mistrustful, panicked, petrified, scared, suspicious, terrified, wary, worried

Annoyed

aggravated, dismayed, disgruntled, displeased, exasperated, frustrated, impatient, irritated, irked

Angry

enraged, furious, incensed, indignant, irate, livid, outraged, resentful

Aversion

animosity, appalled, contempt, disgusted, dislike, hate, horrified, hostile, repulsed

Confused

ambivalent, baffled, bewildered, dazed, hesitant, lost, mystified, perplexed, puzzled, torn

Disconnected

alienated, aloof, apathetic, bored, cold, detached, distant, distracted, indifferent, numb, removed, uninterested, withdrawn

Disquiet

agitated, alarmed, discombobulated, disconcerted, disturbed, perturbed, rattled, restless, shocked, startled, surprised, troubled, turbulent, turmoil, uncomfortable, uneasy, unnerved, unsettled, upset

Embarrassed

ashamed, chagrined, flustered, guilty, mortified, self-conscious

Fatigue

beat, burnt out, depleted, exhausted, lethargic, listless, sleepy, tired, weary, worn out

Pain

agony, anguished, bereaved, devastated, grief, heartbroken, hurt, lonely, miserable, regretful, remorseful

Sad

depressed, dejected, despair, despondent, disappointed, discouraged, disheartened, forlorn, gloomy, heavy hearted, hopeless, melancholy, unhappy, wretched

Tense

anxious, cranky, distressed, distraught, edgy, fidgety, frazzled, irritable, jittery, nervous, overwhelmed, restless, stressed out

Vulnerable

fragile, guarded, helpless, insecure, leery, reserved, sensitive, shaky

Yearning

envious, jealous, longing, nostalgic, pining, wistful