Question

What is not a characteristic used to describe Holmes

Answer 1

Apart from Hanna's excellent response, there is also one humble characteristic about Holmes.
While he was staking out at the Baskervilles, a man's only material needs, according to him, is a daily change of shirts, food and water.
So he is not materialistic. He actually used his honorarium for altruistic purposes, apart from his daily subsistence.

Answer 2

Flighty (he's very thoughtful)
affectionate and driven by emotions. (This man is pure intellect).
Disloyal. (he is very steadfast with those who employ him or those he likes like Mrs. Hudson or Dr. Watson)