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
Except for a lithic crevice that jags through the composition, and a complementary bit of green-and-yellow Mardi Gras coloring, this is a portrait of a temperamental hue.
—
Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
While leather can be a little more temperamental in the face of inclement weather, using a wax protector and leather moisturizer helps keep your bag in the best shape.
—Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 16 Dec. 2025
Such mildness is a rarity in Kansas, because the state is notoriously temperamental and swings wildly between heat and cold.
—Literary Hub, 15 Dec. 2025
For all her acclaim, the temperamental Callas parted ways publicly with La Scala, maintained a fierce rivalry with fellow star soprano Renata Tebaldi, and, best known to many, had a rocky relationship with Aristotle Onassis when both were married to others.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Nov. 2025
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Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
While leather can be a little more temperamental in the face of inclement weather, using a wax protector and leather moisturizer helps keep your bag in the best shape.
—Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 16 Dec. 2025
Such mildness is a rarity in Kansas, because the state is notoriously temperamental and swings wildly between heat and cold.
—Literary Hub, 15 Dec. 2025
For all her acclaim, the temperamental Callas parted ways publicly with La Scala, maintained a fierce rivalry with fellow star soprano Renata Tebaldi, and, best known to many, had a rocky relationship with Aristotle Onassis when both were married to others.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Nov. 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 31 Dec. 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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