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

Aubrey smartly played on Tai’s obvious temperamental discomfort with being adjacent to bullies Kyle and Scot and offered him an opportunity to join up with her, Cydney, and Aubry’s silent partner, Joe Del Campo. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024

She is considered one of the most renowned and influential opera singers of the 20th century and one of the greatest divas of all time due to both her talent and her temperamental reputation. —Katie Mannion, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024

The temperamental lovers split over Thanksgiving weekend, TMZ reported. —Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 10 Dec. 2024

White has won two Emmys for his work as temperamental chef Carmy on the Hulu culinary dramedy The Bear, which aired its third season this past summer. —Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 9 Dec. 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