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
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
Lovable, charming and generous, yet temperamental, arrogant and obscene.
—
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 11 Apr. 2025
Steve Mariucci and the coaching staff didn’t seem to know what to make of Rice, who had become more temperamental and withdrawn.
—Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2025
Feinstein, who died March 13, was known for his insights, and inside portraits, of some of the most talented and temperamental characters in sports.
—Dave Davies, NPR, 21 Mar. 2025
Based on Winn’s best-selling memoir, director Marianne Elliott’s lovely film captures the natural but temperamental beauty of the land but also the indomitable spirit of the married couple at its core, who are facing daunting odds, including a health crisis.
—Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for temperamental
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Matthew Carey, Deadline, 11 Apr. 2025
Steve Mariucci and the coaching staff didn’t seem to know what to make of Rice, who had become more temperamental and withdrawn.
—Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2025
Feinstein, who died March 13, was known for his insights, and inside portraits, of some of the most talented and temperamental characters in sports.
—Dave Davies, NPR, 21 Mar. 2025
Based on Winn’s best-selling memoir, director Marianne Elliott’s lovely film captures the natural but temperamental beauty of the land but also the indomitable spirit of the married couple at its core, who are facing daunting odds, including a health crisis.
—Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for temperamental
Cite this Entry
“Temperamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temperamental. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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