Complete Feelings List: The A-Z List of Emotions and Feelings

Updated on Mar 26, 2026

Key Takeaways:

Feelings can be challenging for young children to understand, especially when they experience something new.
Having a feelings list can help your child pinpoint their emotions and understand why they feel a certain way.
Expanding a child’s feelings vocabulary can make them more communicative and understanding.

Children’s feelings matter. They’re the signals that tell children what’s going on inside them, and learning to recognize and name those feelings is a big step toward understanding themselves. A feelings list gives kids the words they need to say what they’re experiencing.

Instead of just “I’m mad” or “I’m sad,” they can say “I feel frustrated” or “I feel lonely.” That little change makes it easier for parents and teachers to respond in helpful ways and for kids to feel supported.

Research shows that when children put feelings into words, especially when they’re upset, they’re actually learning emotional regulation — the skill of calming down and making positive choices [*].

In this article, I’ve put together a list of feelings and emotions with meanings to help children identify and express their emotions.

Accepting/Opening

Calm: Not showing loneliness and fear, or the absence of confrontational activity.
Centered: Well-balanced, confident, and tranquil.
Content: In a state of peaceful happiness or satisfaction with the situation.
Fulfilled: A sense of happiness or satisfaction because of improving one’s character.
Patient: Able to tolerate delays and problems without feeling annoyed or anxious.
Peaceful: Free from disturbance or violent feelings.
Present: Being focused on what is happening and feeling free of distractions.
Relaxed: Being at ease or free of tension and stress.
Serene: Fully untroubled, calm, and at peace.
Trusting: Demonstrating belief in another person’s honesty without feeling suspicious of their motives.

Angry/Annoyed

Agitated: Troubled and nervous to the point that it affects a child’s thoughts, behavior, or even the body, like fidgeting or pacing.
Aggravated: Displeasure or anger resulting from minor inconveniences or annoyances.
Bitter: Angry, hurt, and resentful because of unjust treatment.
Contempt: Feeling that someone or something is beneath you, unworthy of respect, or not deserving your attention or effort.
Cynical: Believing people are only motivated by self-interested or questionable values that are insincere.
Disdain: Believing someone or something isn’t worth consideration or respect.
Disgruntled: Angry or dissatisfied because of unjust treatment or a bad outcome.
Disturbed: Anxious, mentally interrupted, or emotionally unsettled.
Edgy: Tense, nervous, and irritable. Occasionally defensive.
Exasperated: Intense irritation and frustration to the point of potentially injudicious action.
Frustrated: Expressing distress or annoyance because of an inability to change a specific outcome.
Furious: Full of violent or intense anger.
Grouchy: Bad-tempered or easily annoyed and irritated.
Hostile: Significant unfriendliness and antagonism.
Impatient: A tendency to be easily irritated or provoked by delays or mishaps.
Irritated: Showing slight anger or annoyance.
Irate: Being characterized by significant and constant anger.
Moody: Demonstrating unpredictable moods, especially sudden bouts of feeling down.
On edge: Feeling constantly tense, nervous, and irritable.
Outraged: Arousing fear, anger, and shock.
Pissed: Annoyed and fed up.
Upset: The state of being unhappy or disappointed.
Vindictive: Demonstrating a strong desire for revenge.

Connected/Loving

Accepting: To regard something favorably or with approval.
Affectionate: Expressing fondness and tenderness for something or someone.
Caring: Displaying kindness and concern.
Compassion: Feeling sympathetic for others experiencing misfortune or suffering.
Empathy: The ability to understand and experience what others feel.
Fulfilled: Deeply satisfied, content, and complete. It’s like your needs or goals have been met.
Present: Fully focused and aware of what’s happening right now.
Safe: Secure and free from harm, both physically and emotionally.
Warm: Expressing affection, enthusiasm, and kindness.
Worthy: Demonstrating qualities meriting recognition and praise.

Disconnected/Numb

Aloof: Unfriendly, uninvolved, calm, and distant.
Bored: Understimulated because of feeling unoccupied.
Confused: Unable to think clearly about something and showing bewilderment.
Distant: Removed and unintimate.
Empty: Lacking sincerity or feeling like having no purpose or value.
Indifferent: Having no particular interest in something and feeling unconcerned.
Isolated: Feeling left out or alone on purpose.
Lethargic: Sluggish and apathetic.
Listless: Lacking energy, enthusiasm, and motivation.
Removed: Distant or emotionally “far” from something.
Resistant: Being impervious to something (in particular, change).
Shut Down: Detached from one’s emotions and losing the desire for involvement.
Uneasy: Anxious or uncomfortable.
Withdrawn: Feeling unable to communicate or be with others socially.

Fragile

Helpless: Unable to defend or help oneself without external intervention.
Sensitive: Quick to react to slight changes or disturbances.

Stress/Tense

Anxious: Worried and uneasy in anticipation of something.
Burnt out: Exhaustion due to overwork or being emotionally overwhelmed.
Cranky: Being ill-tempered and irritable.
Depleted: Out of emotional resources and unable to function.
Exhausted: Completely drained of one’s mental and emotional resources.
Frazzled: Nervous and worried because of exhaustion and stress.
Overwhelm: Overpowered and unable to exert effort because of intense emotions.
Rattled: Quickly becoming nervous and anxious because of a stressor.
Rejecting: Dismissive of something one perceives as inadequate.
Restless: Unable to settle down or relax because of anxiety or boredom.
Shaken: Being able to hold one’s composure or feel at ease.
Tight: Uncomfortable and developing physical pressure due to stress.
Weary: Showing tiredness because of over-exertion.
Worn Out: Exhausted to the point of unproductiveness.

Aliveness/Joy

Amazed: Surprised and astonished by something.
Awe: Perceiving something with wonder and inspiration.
Bliss: A strong feeling of happiness and joy, where worries seem to fade away.
Delighted: Feeling or showing extreme pleasure.
Eager: Being willing to do something with extreme enthusiasm.
Ecstatic: Feeling overwhelmingly happy or excited.
Enchanted: Being charmed or filled with delight.
Energized: With lots of vitality and enthusiasm.
Engaged: Feeling involved and stimulated by something.
Enthusiastic: Showing intense eagerness to participate.
Excited: Demonstrating high energy or eagerness for something.
Free: Having no hesitation, inhibitions, or shyness.
Happy: Showing pleasure and contentment.
Inspired: Feeling the impulse to create or achieve something.
Invigorated: Having the strength or energy to do something.
Lively: Energetic, active, and outgoing.
Passionate: Showing strong feelings or a strong belief in something.
Playful: Lighthearted and positively amused.
Radiant: Intense, conspicuous, and emanating powerfully.
Refreshed: Rested and having regained strength.
Rejuvenated: Having been given new energy or feeling revitalized.
Renewed: Feeling revived or fresh with life.
Satisfied: Contented and pleased with oneself.
Thrilled: Extremely pleased and excited.
Vibrant: Bursting with energy and excitement, eager to engage and enjoy what’s around them.

Courageous/Powerful

Adventurous: The desire to explore new things, activities, and ideas.
Brave: Ready to endure something potentially frightening or thrilling.
Capable: Fit and able to achieve something.
Confident: Feeling self-assured and believing one can succeed.
Daring: Feeling bold, adventurous, and nervy.
Determined: Being firm in one’s desire to achieve something.
Grounded: Mentally and emotionally stable and capable.
Proud: Pleasure and joy as a result of one’s achievements.
Strong: Able to withstand pressure and setbacks.
Worthy: Demonstrating qualities with merit.
Valiant: Showing courage or determination.

Curious

Exploring: Feeling excited and interested in discovering new things, places, or ideas, and eager to try them out.
Brave: Courage to explore the unknown.
Fascinated: Extremely interested in something or someone.
Interested: Wanting to learn more or be involved with something.
Intrigued: Aroused curiosity or a fascination with something.
Involved: Feeling engaged in something.
Stimulated: Interested and encouraged.

Despair/Sad

Anguish: Severe mental pain and suffering.
Depressed: In a constant state of general unhappiness or despondency.
Despondent: Without hope or in low spirits.
Disappointed: Feeling sad or displeased because of a failure.
Discouraged: Losing confidence or enthusiasm over something.
Forlorn: Pitifully sad or lost.
Gloomy: Distressed, negative, and pessimistic.
Grief: Deep sorrow resulting from loss or death.
Heartbroken: Suffering from being extremely upset or overwhelmingly distressed.
Hopeless: Feeling inadequate and incompetent, causing despair.
Lonely: Sadness from feeling alone or without company.
Longing: A strong desire for something usually unattainable.
Melancholy: Pensive sadness without an apparent cause.
Sorrow: Distressed, disappointed, and lost because of a misfortune.
Teary: Full of tears.
Unhappy: Not satisfied or pleased.
Weary: Tiredness due to excessive exertion.
Yearning: An intense longing for something.

Embarrassed/Shame

Ashamed: Embarrassed or guilty because of a regretful action.
Humiliated: Ashamed and foolish because of injured dignity.
Inhibited: Unable to be relaxed because of self-consciousness.
Mortified: To be subdued by self-denial or discipline.
Self-conscious: Unduly aware of oneself, actions, and appearance.
Useless: Not fulfilling needs or desired outcomes.
Weak: Lacking in power and influence.
Worthless: Having no use or value.

Fear

Afraid: Heightened fear or anxiety.
Anxious: Persistent, often irrational anticipation of danger.
Apprehensive: Fearing that something terrible is going to happen.
Frightened: Thrown into a fright or terrified.
Hesitant: Tentative or unsure about one’s actions.
Nervous: Agitated or alarmed due to anticipation.
Panic: Sudden uncontrollable fear and wild thoughts.
Paralyzed: Emotionally incapable or frozen.
Scared: Fearful or nervous.
Terrified: Extremely afraid.
Worried: Troubled by potential problems.

Grateful

Appreciative: Grateful and demonstrating pleasure.
Blessed: Happily favored or fortunate.
Fortunate: Favored by or having good luck.
Grace: Honored by a certain presence or ability to be part of something.
Humbled: To feel less proud or dignified due to a great honor.
Lucky: To be blessed with desirable things and experiences.
Moved: To change in state or opinion, or feel positively provoked.
Thankful: Pleased and relieved.
Touched: Emotionally moved in a warm, meaningful way because of kindness or love.

Guilt

Regret: To feel repentant or disappointed over something.
Remorseful: Strong feelings of sadness and regret about an action.
Sorry: Regret or remorse after doing something wrong or hurtful, with a desire to make things right.

Hopeful

Encouraged: Stimulated and motivated to achieve something.
Expectant: Excited about something that is going to happen.
Optimistic: Believing the best possible thing will happen.
Trusting: Belief in others and the future.

Powerless

Impotent: Unable to be helpful and effective.
Incapable: Not knowing how to do or achieve something.
Resigned: Accepting something unpleasant and understanding there is nothing to do about it.
Trapped: Lacking freedom in an uncomfortable situation.
Victim: Singled out and subjected to unjust treatment.

Tender

Calm: Peaceful serenity and a sense of comfort from within.
Caring: Emotional investment in others’ well-being and mental health.
Loving: Feeling great care and deep affection.
Reflective: Characterized by deep thought and positive rumination.
Self-loving: High regard for one’s self and well-being.
Serene: State of inner peace and tranquility.
Vulnerable: Feeling open, sensitive, or easily hurt, especially when sharing emotions or facing something uncertain.
Warm: Inner comfort and kindness deepening emotional connections with others.

Unsettled/Doubt

Apprehensive: Unease or worry arising from uncertain outcomes.
Concerned: Worried about something.
Dissatisfied: Discontent or unhappy about something.
Disturbed: Heightened sense of discomfort and an inability to make sense of unsettling thoughts:
Inhibited: Feeling restrained due to fear of negative outcomes.
Perplexed: Extremely puzzled and baffled.
Questioning: Showing an interest in seeking new information.
Rejecting: Emotional pain and discomfort from feelings of being excluded.
Reluctant: Unwilling or disinclined to try something.
Skeptical: Having doubts about something or feeling unconvinced.
Suspicious: Showing a cautious distrust for something or someone.
Ungrounded: Lack of a sound basis of belief or actions.
Unsure: Not feeling confident in something.

The Bottom Line

When your child is in tune with their feelings, they’re better able to handle uncertainty and try new experiences with confidence and an open mind.

As a parent, one of the most powerful things you can do is help your child build their feelings vocabulary early. Using a list of feelings gives them the words they need to express what’s going on inside instead of acting it out. If you need extra support, our collection of Feelings Worksheets can help!

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