Irregular adjectives in English form their comparative and superlative degrees in unusual ways instead of following the standard patterns. For example, good changes to better and best, while bad becomes worse and worst. We use these adjectives when comparing people, places, objects, and experiences in everyday conversations. Knowing their different forms helps us describe things accurately and avoid common grammar mistakes.
In this article, I will share 20 examples of irregular adjectives with their positive, comparative, and superlative forms, along with sentences showing how we use them. We will also look at common patterns and special cases to make these adjective forms easier to recognize and remember. These examples will help us improve our English grammar and use comparisons more naturally in speaking and writing.
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Irregular Adjectives: Definition and Example
Irregular adjectives are adjectives that do not follow normal rules when we make their comparative (better) or superlative (best) forms.
Instead of adding -er or -est, the whole word often changes completely.
Key idea: These adjectives have special forms, different patterns, and unique changes.
Read more about: Comparative and Superlative Adjectives in detail.
20 Examples of Irregular Adjectives
Below is the complete list of 20 common irregular adjectives with their basic, comparative, and superlative forms.
Base Form | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
Good | Better | Best |
Bad | Worse | Worst |
Far | Farther / Further | Farthest / Furthest |
Little (amount) | Less | Least |
Many | More | Most |
Much | More | Most |
Well | Better | Best |
Old | Older / Elder | Oldest / Eldest |
Late | Later | Latest |
Near | Nearer | Nearest |
Fore | Former | Foremost |
In | Inner | Innermost |
Out | Outer | Outermost |
Up | Upper | Uppermost |
Low | Lower | Lowest |
High | Higher | Highest |
Small (quantity) | Less | Least |
Big (size) | Bigger* | Biggest* |
Friendly | More friendly* | Most friendly* |
Busy | Busier* | Busiest* |
20 Examples of Irregular Adjectives
*Note: The last four follow some spelling changes but remain irregular in use because the word changes shape rather than simply adding -er or -est.
Irregular Adjectives Examples in Sentences
Here are short and simple examples for easy understanding.
- Good: This book is good, but that one is better.
- Bad: His idea was bad, but the next one was worse.
- Far: The shop is farther than the school.
- Little: I have less sugar than you.
- Many: She has more friends now.
- Old: My eldest brother lives abroad.
- High: This wall is higher than the gate.
- Busy: He is busier today than yesterday.
- Friendly: She is the most friendly in class.
Summary of 20 Irregular Adjectives
Adjective Type | Examples |
|---|---|
Shows quality change | Good → Better → Best |
Shows negative quality | Bad → Worse → Worst |
Shows distance | Far → Farther/Further |
Shows amount | Little → Less → Least |
Shows number | Many → More → Most |
Shows physical change | High → Higher → Highest |
Shows spelling change | Busy → Busier → Busiest |
Irregular adjectives are a small group of adjectives with special forms. You cannot change them using the normal -er or -est rules. Learning these 20 useful examples will help you speak and write with more confidence. Keep practising them with sentences, and soon they will feel natural and easy to use.
FAQs About 20 Examples of Irregular Adjectives
What are irregular adjectives?
Irregular adjectives are adjectives that do not follow the normal rules for comparatives and superlatives. Their forms change completely, such as good → better → best.
What are the most common irregular adjectives?
Common irregular adjectives include good, bad, far, little, many, much, old, late, well, and high. Their comparative and superlative forms do not follow regular -er or -est rules.
How do irregular adjectives change in comparison?
Irregular adjectives change in unique ways. For example: bad → worse → worst, and little → less → least. You must memorise them because they do not follow standard patterns.
What is the difference between farther and further?
Farther is usually used for physical distance, while further is used for extra degree or additional information. Both are comparative forms of the adjective far.
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