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
What happened to Gen X? Unlike the odd couple pairing of Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence, who was added to the 2016 ticket to reach Evangelicals and traditional conservatives but was Trump's temperamental opposite, the Trump-Vance match is a MAGA mind meld.
—
Zac Anderson, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2025
But Velocity builds aren’t delicate collectibles or temperamental garage queens.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2025
The beloved, temperamental fruit is a staple in Mexican cuisine, sushi and brunch.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2025
But the rabid fans were left disappointed as Lahore’s temperamental weather spoiled the party and ended what had been an engrossing match.
—Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
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Zac Anderson, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2025
But Velocity builds aren’t delicate collectibles or temperamental garage queens.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2025
The beloved, temperamental fruit is a staple in Mexican cuisine, sushi and brunch.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2025
But the rabid fans were left disappointed as Lahore’s temperamental weather spoiled the party and ended what had been an engrossing match.
—Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 1 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 13 Mar. 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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