Business English: Adjectives to Describe Workers (Set 1)

Write the correct person’s name under the adjective that best describes him or her.

Ben doesn’t like to talk about his athletic achievements. Although he was ambitious
once in the Olympics, he doesn’t think he’s better than anyone else. ____________

Despite coming from a poor family, Danielle is determined to succeed. articulate

She plans to be the first person in her family to graduate college. ____________

Takeshi would never quit his job. He thinks of his company as his family, bright
and he plans to stay there until he retires. ____________

Laurence is an intelligent man. decisive

____________
Tina gave up her dream of being an astronaut because it wasn’t realistic.
She has decided to study IT instead because it will allow her to get a job. genuine
____________
People like Carol because she is sincere. She speaks truthfully, from her
heart. loyal
____________
Grace is an excellent public speaker. She is able to organize her ideas
well and communicate them fluently. humble/
modest
Like usual, Paul made the decision with little hesitation. ____________

practical
____________

Match each word on the left to a word on the right with an opposite meaning.

Page 1 - EnglishCurrent.com
1. ambitious A. fake
2. articulate B. lazy
3. bright C. confusing
4. decisive D. conceited; egotistical
5. genuine E. unrealistic; idealistic
6. loyal F. unfaithful
7. humble/modest G. doubtful
8. practical H. stupid

Page 2 - EnglishCurrent.com
Business English: Adjectives to Describe Workers (Set 2)

Write the correct person’s name under the adjective that best describes him or her.

After losing her job, Lily waited six months before starting another. She’d arrogant
had several offers, but she waited until the perfect one came along. ____________

John is an excellent newspaper editor because he pays great attention resourceful

to detail and he is careful to ensure that everything is formatted perfectly. ____________

Lloyd thinks he’s more important than everyone else because his father meticulous
is the company’s boss. He treats everyone like they are beneath him. ____________

As a junior in the company, Winston always does what he’s told to do, obedient
even if he doesn’t like it. ____________

Unlike most of the staff, Alex doesn’t need to work overtime. He’s always patient
able to finish all of his tasks by 5 o’clock. ____________

Everyone in the office knows Penelope. She is very friendly and out-going
confident in her social skills. ____________

In his professional life, Terry is always on time for every day of work, productive
meeting, and interview. ____________

Brenda is an excellent project manager because she is able to find quick punctual
and clever ways to overcome difficulties that suddenly arise. ____________

Match each word on the left to a word on the right with an opposite meaning.

Page 3 - EnglishCurrent.com
1. arrogant A. shy
2. resourceful B. rebellious; defiant
3. meticulous C. impatient
4. obedient D. ineffective
5. patient E. humble; modest
6. outgoing F. unreliable
7. productive G. unimaginative
8. punctual H. careless

Page 4 - EnglishCurrent.com
Business English: Adjectives to Describe Workers (Set 3)

Write the correct person’s name under the adjective that best describes him or her.

There’s no point in arguing with Bruce. He won’t listen to the opinions of easygoing
others, even if they prove him wrong. ____________

As the owner of a small company, Carol has to be able to do many prudent

different things. In addition to her regular duties, she’s also the ____________
accountant, hiring manager, and even receptionist sometimes.
diligent
Victor takes care when making decisions in order to avoid unnecessary ____________
risk.
stubborn
People love working for Randy because he’s relaxed. He doesn’t mind if ____________
his employees are late and he gives them a lot of freedom.
eager
Robert, the new boss, fired four people in his first week. He’ll do ____________
whatever he has to in order to turn the failing company around.
ruthless
Patricia works hard and she makes an effort to do her tasks well. ____________

Fresh out of university, Tanya, was excited about getting started with her cooperative
job and learning new things. ____________

Mike is very helpful. He’s always willing to be of assistance to the other versatile
members of the team. ____________

Match each word on the left to a word on the right with an opposite meaning.

Page 5 - EnglishCurrent.com
1. easygoing A. lazy
2. prudent B. uptight; strict
3. diligent C. unhelpful
4. stubborn D. caring; sympathetic
5. eager E. flexible; open-minded
6. ruthless F. foolish
7. cooperative G. limited
8. versatile H. apathetic

Page 6 - EnglishCurrent.com