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
One key to Bad Mary’s persistence in the American mind can be found in the temperamental polarity that first drew Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln to each other.
—
Thomas Mallon, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
Early systems, however, were expensive, heavy, temperamental, and suited mainly to reconnaissance or sniper roles.
—David Szondy
may 17, New Atlas, 17 May 2026
At work or in daily routines, the temperamental Moon activates your 6th House of Work and Wellness, trining Jupiter, The Planet of Wisdom, in your 10th House of Career.
—Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 May 2026
The weather also proved to be exceptionally temperamental, and those on the base had many other duties to attend to.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for temperamental
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Thomas Mallon, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
Early systems, however, were expensive, heavy, temperamental, and suited mainly to reconnaissance or sniper roles.
—David Szondy
may 17, New Atlas, 17 May 2026
At work or in daily routines, the temperamental Moon activates your 6th House of Work and Wellness, trining Jupiter, The Planet of Wisdom, in your 10th House of Career.
—Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 May 2026
The weather also proved to be exceptionally temperamental, and those on the base had many other duties to attend to.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for temperamental
Cite this Entry
“Temperamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temperamental. Accessed 28 May. 2026.
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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