temperamental

adjective

tem·​per·​a·​men·​tal ˌtem-p(ə-)rə-ˈmen-tᵊl How to pronounce temperamental (audio)
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 adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Kove played John Kreese, the temperamental sensei in the original three Karate Kid films, reprising the role in Netflix’s Cobra Kai alongside Ralph Macchio and William Zabka across the show’s six seasons. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 23 June 2025 For now, the benefit of a reserve sans swarms of animals is that guests can hike through the mountains without worrying about stumbling upon an angry buffalo or temperamental elephant. Mary Holland, Robb Report, 5 June 2025 Nokia’s leadership developed a temperamental style that made employees afraid to report bad news about their aging Symbian software as iPhone took over the market. Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 Brody plays these hairpin temperamental turns for maximum comedic effect in what’s probably the funniest of his Anderson performances. Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for temperamental

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of temperamental was in 1646

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Cite this Entry

“Temperamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temperamental. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

temperamental

adjective
tem·​per·​a·​men·​tal ˌtem-p(ə-)rə-ˈment-ᵊl How to pronounce temperamental (audio)
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 adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on temperamental

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