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

This is more than often considered to be a temperamental Mars placement, especially since your energy is fueled by feelings and moods, naturally changing with the tides and, more importantly, the lunar cycle. —Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 13 Aug. 2024

Palermo is as untidy as life and as temperamental as a Sicilian lover. —Stanley Stewart, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 July 2024

Cancer: Nate Cooper Crabby, protective and temperamental, Andrea’s boyfriend Nate Cooper embodies the essence of Cancer in more ways than one. —Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 30 June 2024

O’Donoghue was known for being temperamental and driving the humor at SNL to darker places, e.g., staging ABBA on a sinking Titanic set. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 14 Apr. 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