temperamental

adjective

tem·​per·​a·​men·​tal ˌtem-p(ə-)rə-ˈmen-tᵊl 

ˌtem-pər-ˈmen-

1

a

: marked by excessive sensitivity and impulsive mood changes

a temperamental child

b

: unpredictable in behavior or performance

a temperamental computer

2

: of, relating to, or arising from temperament : constitutional

temperamental peculiarities

temperamentally

ˌtem-p(ə-)rə-ˈmen-tᵊl-ē 

ˌtem-pər-ˈmen-

adverb

Synonyms

• moody

Examples of temperamental in a Sentence

The actor is known for being temperamental.

The old computer is temperamental.

They divorced due to temperamental differences.

Recent Examples on the Web

But the current results do show that a species that came of age exploring its own planet may well have the temperamental and neurological wherewithal to go much farther—for much longer. —Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 29 Dec. 2024

My starter can be very temperamental when my house gets dry and chilly in the winter. —Ars Technica, 28 Nov. 2024

Mars retrograde in Leo, starting December 6, adds fiery energy to the mix, sparking both inspiration and temperamental tendencies. —Dossé-Via Trenou, refinery29.com, 28 Nov. 2024

Jameson’s habit, or temperamental inclination, is to be uncompromising. —Mark Greif, Harper's Magazine, 26 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin temperāmentālis "of the temperament," from Latin temperāmentum temperament + -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

temperamental

adjective

tem·​per·​a·​men·​tal ˌtem-p(ə-)rə-ˈment-ᵊl 

1

: of or relating to temperament

temperamental peculiarities

2

a

: likely to be easily upset

a temperamental movie star

b

: unpredictable in performance

a temperamental motor

temperamentally

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb