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They're the most adaptable personality out there.
By Ossiana Tepfenhart — Last updated on Sep 26, 2022
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is based on the theory of psychological types suggested by psychiatrist Carl Jung, and further developed by mother-daughter duo Katharine Cook Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers.
The Myers-Briggs personality spectrum is one of the most accurate ways to figure out what kind of person you are, the other personalities you are compatible with, and the best career suited for you. And it's as simple as taking a personality test to determine which one you are.
But of the 16 different personality types a person can have, few have it as good as the ENTP personality type.
ENTP Meaning
ENTP stands for Extroversion, Intuitive, Thinking, and Perceiving, and when those traits are put together, they make one of the most versatile personality types out there.
ENTP personalities are known for being incredibly inventive, as well as quick-witted, extroverted, intuitive, open-minded people. They are known for being enthusiastic, spontaneous, outspoken, resourceful, analytical and adventurous.
Few people are as magnetic as ENTPs, but that too comes with its pitfalls.
Positive & Negative ENTP Personality Traits
1. Adventurous
People always go to ENTPs when they want to have a crazy trip or a story to tell because they're very adventurous. For one reason or another, ETNPs just find their extroverted selves in crazy situations.
Perhaps that’s due to the ENTP's inquisitive nature and open mind. Either way, adventure follows ENTPs wherever they go. Because of this wild streak, routine is not an ENTP's thing.
2. Adaptable
ENTPs always know how to adapt to new situations. Heck, they might even hate the status quo most of the time.
ENTPs are known for being very adaptable and capable of finding new ways to survive, regardless of what happens.
3. Inventive
ENTPs are often called “the Inventors” because they are legitimately some of the most creative and inventive people out there. At times, they also tend to see the big picture, managing to “MacGuyver” a solution to everyday issues.
4. Intelligent
ENTPs are considered to be a “brainy” personality type. ENTPs are very smart — so smart that people tell them they're smart on the regular. That’s not a bad thing, though. Intelligence is sexy and incredibly useful.
5. Curious
ENTPs are very curious about the world around them and may even view learning as a favorite pastime. Good outing ideas for an ENTP would be a museum, library, or maybe watching Neil DeGrasse Tyson speak.
ENTPs also enjoy intellectual arguments over dinner, which may rub some folks the wrong way.
6. Open-minded
ENTPs are often the most open-minded of the group and tend to give people the benefit of a doubt. ENTPs are open to seeing things in different ways and may be overly idealistic as a result of this.
In debates, people with this personality type may end up being a devil’s advocate, which can both infuriate and thrill those around them.
7. Idealistic
Scheduling is just not an ENTP's thing, but you know what is? Ideas. ENTPs are more about ideas than concrete plans. They love coming up with concepts, even if they never come to fruition.
To a point, they may even be a type to be called “a dreamer” because of that. If ENTPs aren’t careful, though, they might also end up being the type to have a bunch of unfinished projects as a result.
8. Argumentative
ENTPs have a knack for proving anything and everything, even if it’s not necessarily the legit deal. The ENTP's argument and debate skills are on point, and when added to their natural charisma, they’ve got an uncanny talent for convincing anyone of anything.
9. Impulsive
ENTPs love risks — big time. They tend to be impulsive, often to the point of self-destruction. It's one of their biggest weaknesses.
But the problem with ENTPs is that sometimes they don’t realize how risky impulsive behavior really is, and that could put them in danger.
10. Insensitive
ENTPs unfortunately tend to look down on people, sometimes even without realizing it. They may look at people who are "beneath them" as inferior and, as a result, don't always get to learn about other people and their customs beforehand.
11. Procrastinator
ENTPs are such imaginative dreamers that sometimes they may spend time (too much time!) with their head in the clouds, and that can make it difficult to focus. They tend to start a lot of different tasks at once but never end up finishing any of them.
12. Intolerant
ENTPs are known to compliment themselves and love having other people match their capabilities. They can be quick to judge someone from an encounter or a group of people and aren't always very friendly.
ENTPs need to learn to be okay with people with different aspirations than their own.
ENTP Compatibility & Relationships
By personality alone, ENTPs are some of the sexiest people you’ll ever meet. They are adventurous, spontaneous, and passionate. That means that getting a date by virtue of their personality alone is never hard. In fact, they are downright magnetic.
ENTPs also have an open mind that can be very kinky in bed and very accepting of the right partner. Since they often hate schedules and “the mundane,” they may also have a bit of a “sexy starving artist” vibe about them.
That being said, most ENTPs are still somewhat practical in manner, so for the most part, they can still “adult.”
The problem is? Well, their mannerisms often make it hard to establish where “friends” begin and where “lovers” starts. ENTPs are natural flirts, which may make some folks jealous. And they may also have a harder time than most keeping things realistic.
However, with some self-control, you’ll be alright, and you’ll be a great partner to the right person.
Who is ENTP compatible with?
ENTP's are compatible with INFJ or INTJ personality types. That's because the ENTP's extroverted intuition is matched best with someone who has introverted intuition.
An ENTP and an INFJ personality pairing make a great couple because ENTP will bring the best out of an INFJ by using a creative and resourceful approach.
An ENTP and an INTJ match well together because they both enjoy showing love, both want to receive affection and support from their partner, and they like the indication of a sincere commitment.
Best Careers For ENTP Personality
ENTPs are most likely to thrive in the law field, business and finance field, arts, entertainment and media field, architecture, engineering, and technology field, and the science and medicine field.
The best career for ENTPs would be a lawyer, financial analyst, architect, graphic designer, actor, singer, environmental scientist, or psychologist.
Tips For Relating To An ENTP Personality Type
1. Challenge them intellectually.
Because ENTPs are considered to be the most intelligent of the Myers-Briggs types, it's important that if you want to connect with one, there needs to be stimulating conversation.
Steer clear of surface-level small talk, and delve deeper. Instead, it's best to lead with conversations where they can use their logic and analytical approach, and allow them to think abstractly.
2. Take them on an adventure.
If there's one thing ENTPs enjoy, it's spontaneity. Whether it's a trip to a populated area where they can meet new people, or an activity they've never tried before (like skydiving or kayaking), you can bet that the ENTP will be game.
Not only do ENTPs love creative ideas and trying something they've never done before, but they are incredibly confident about their abilities. Plus, they adapt very well, so if it's something you may be hesitant to try, you'll have your very own cheerleader in the form of an ENTP.
3. Encourage them to stay on task.
This is especially true for coworkers of the ENTP personality. ENTPs tend to take on many projects at once, but can never quite focus on one thing at a time. They need a grounding energy to keep them on task.
When trying to relate to an ENTP, remind them of this personality trait of theirs, and allow them to think deeper about a specific task at hand.
Famous People With ENTP Personalities
- Theodore Roosevelt
- Leonardo Da Vinci
- Tom Hanks
- Neil Patrick Harris
- Amy Poehler
- Alfred Hitchcock
- Socrates
- Dave Matthews
- Lily Tomlin
- Mark Cuban
- Sarah Silverman
Is ENTP a rare personality type?
ENTPs are considered the fifth-rarest personality type; INFJ is considered the rarest. However, ENTPs are one of the rarer Myers-Briggs types. ENTPs make up 3% of the general population, and 2% of women and 4% of men.
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Ossiana Tepfenhart is a writer based out of Red Bank, New Jersey whose work has been featured in Yahoo, BRIDES, Your Daily Dish, Newtheory Magazine, and others. Follow her on Twitter for more.