Ten Ugliest Character Flaws

It's not hard to pick out the worst character flaws in other people, but can we see them in ourselves? Use this guide to identify what your character flaws might be, and what you can work on to get along with people and feel better about yourself.

All humans are flawed in one way or another, and it is often easy to recognize character flaws in others. But, let's be honest: we can all improve how we present ourselves in our communications and interactions with family, friends, business associates, and others. Perfection is not the goal, but with a little insight, we can evolve our own characters to be more fair, more considerate of others, and less on edge all the time.

Don't be too hard on yourself about your flaws. Forgive yourself. But, also, be willing to make changes.

01
of 10

Arrogance / Argumentative

Man and Woman Arguing
Göran Stierna / Getty Images

Do you find yourself arguing for the sake of argument? Some arguments are enjoyable for both participants, but if you find yourself in that situation constantly, that you have arguments in which you end up yelling louder to make your point, you may be simply argumentative. 

It may seem that way, but getting the last word in doesn't have any value and if you find people avoid talking to you or give in just to shut you up, you may be taking it too far. Very unattractive. 

Choose your arguments wisely. Is the issue you are arguing about really important? Being constantly argumentative is a form of arrogance; so try to start giving the other person room to be right. 

02
of 10

Dishonesty

Dishonesty Gesture
Peter Glass / Getty Images

Telling a lie socially—when the situation requires that either the person you are talking to doesn't need or deserve the truth, or that the person would be hurt in turn—is, let's face it, sometimes an acceptable path. But avoiding the truth consistently, especially just to evade the consequences for what you've done, is not attractive and it is dangerous. 

Ask yourself: why am I lying? Is it habit, do I want the other person to think well of me or not be disappointed? People need the truth, sometimes, even if it's hard to hear. Work on that. 

03
of 10

Short-tempered / Combative

Girl Throwing Water in Mans Face
Henrik Sorensen / Getty Images

It is a frustrating world, and if we don't get our way or our plans are derailed, frustration can lead to snappishness. Everyone gets frustrated, but we don't have to lose control and react outrageously. If you feel frustrations building, fight any desire to lash out. Perhaps it would be best to walk away. Take a deep breath, count to ten... you know the drill.

04
of 10

Need to Always Be Right / Conceit

Right Checkmark
German / Getty Images

Do you have to be right all the time? Do you always have the correct answer and you need everyone to know that? You may be just a tiny bit conceited.

Nobody likes a know-it-all, so why get caught up in this character flaw? If it is important for you to point out your "rightness" all the time, you are really displaying conceit—do you really think you're right all the time, or do you just want other people to think you are?

And, you might be wrong! Eating crow isn't fun either. Ask yourself, is it better to be right, or is it better to build better relationships?

05
of 10

Perfectionist / Nit-Picker

Perfectionism
OrangeDukeProductions / Getty Images

The perfectionist is hardest on themselves, but it turns you into a crazy person that people don't want to be around. Perfectionism isn't about being perfect, it's about thinking that you have to be perfect, you think you have it in you to do a perfect job, and not doing that, not getting the ideal results makes you disappointed. 

If that sounds like you, use this as your mantra: "No one is perfect, not even me." Take a deep breath and accept your foibles. Self-criticism is not your friend. 

06
of 10

Playing the Victim / The Blame Game

Female shouting in a meeting

 Zak Kendal/Getty Images

Things go wrong in a big way, sometimes, and sometimes it's our own fault. It is important we take responsibility for the things that go wrong in our lives. Taking on the victim role and pointing your fingers at others is a bad habit that needs to be broken. Besides, people become weary of your pity party indulgences.

07
of 10

Self-Centered / Narcissistic

All About Me!
DNY59 / Getty Images

One of the first lessons we are taught as children is how to share with others. Sharing your toys and treats is the right thing to do. But there are other things we do that are selfish that you may not realize, People who are only concerned with themselves are called narcissistic. 

Do you find yourself focused primarily on yourself all the time? Are you ever a good listener? Narcissistic people talk about their problems, their achievements, their everything to the exclusion of anybody else's problems and achievements. Their friendships tend to be one-sided, and really, a one-sided friendship is no friendship at all.

08
of 10

Stubborn / Inflexibility

Stubborn Couple
Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Getty Images

Are you a "my way or the highway" type of person? Being inflexible is a tough stance to take. You are likely to find yourself alone a lot as people walk in and out of your life as fast as through a revolving door. Or, you may find yourself locked in a "mirror relationship," where neither one of you is getting the message.

Relationships are two-way streets. Try to keep that straight in your head.

09
of 10

Vanity / Pridefulness

Girl Looking in Vanity Mirror
Hachephotography / Getty Images

Are you overly concerned with your looks? Self-image is a struggle for many people. It is natural to want to be your best and look your best. But, it could be that you want to put on a show with your physical appearance because of inner insecurities.

10
of 10

Humorlessness / Inability to Laugh at Yourself

Two adolescent girls sitting on a sofa, annoyed at each other

Elva Etienne / Getty Images 

Laughter is the best medicine, but when the laughter is turned on you it may not feel so funny. No one wants to be made fun of and when you are the focus of a joke out of cruelty or bullying behavior you have every right to feel insulted.

But when friends poke fun at you, it is often meant as an endearment. Take these situations as intentioned. We laugh at other people when we recognize similarities in our own lives. Life is funny... don't miss out on the fun.

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Desy, Phylameana lila. "Ten Ugliest Character Flaws." Learn Religions, Sep. 21, 2021, learnreligions.com/character-flaws-1730977. Desy, Phylameana lila. (2021, September 21). Ten Ugliest Character Flaws. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/character-flaws-1730977 Desy, Phylameana lila. "Ten Ugliest Character Flaws." Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/character-flaws-1730977 (accessed March 28, 2024).