All of the species in this subfamily are specialized grazers, adapted to living at high population densities and utilizing an abundant but unstable food supply. While the Alcelaphinae ranged across much of Africa in huge herds as little as a few centuries ago, their present numbers and distribution have been reduced at the hands of humans. Only the wildebeest and topi populations in East Africa approach their former numbers.

Among the Alcelaphinae, there is little sexual dimorphism aside from size: males tend to be10-20% larger than females. All species have a gawky, awkward appearance. The legs are long and thin, being well adapted for a cursorial existence on the open plains. The forequarters are noticeably enlarged and the back slopes down towards the hindquarters, especially in the hartebeests (Alcelaphus sp.). Pedal scent glands are found in the forefeet only. The face is elongated (compensating for the high forequarters and disproportionately short neck, and thereby permitting these species to graze). Preorbital glands are well-developed in both sexes. The lyrate or double-curved horns are found in both males and females of all species (those of males tend to be longer and thicker).

The young of all species are born a light tan color and are precocious "followers" (sticking close to their mothers after birth). In several species (notably the wildebeests, Connochaetes sp.) neonates never have a "hiding" phase and can keep up with their mothers within a day of being born. Several species of Alcelaphine antelope are used extensively in game ranching, including the red hartebeest, blue wildebeest, and blesbok.