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
Kove played John Kreese, the temperamental sensei in the original three Karate Kid films, reprising the role in Netflix’s Cobra Kai alongside Ralph Macchio and William Zabka across the show’s six seasons.
—
Dominic Patten, Deadline, 23 June 2025
For now, the benefit of a reserve sans swarms of animals is that guests can hike through the mountains without worrying about stumbling upon an angry buffalo or temperamental elephant.
—Mary Holland, Robb Report, 5 June 2025
Nokia’s leadership developed a temperamental style that made employees afraid to report bad news about their aging Symbian software as iPhone took over the market.
—Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Brody plays these hairpin temperamental turns for maximum comedic effect in what’s probably the funniest of his Anderson performances.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for temperamental
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Dominic Patten, Deadline, 23 June 2025
For now, the benefit of a reserve sans swarms of animals is that guests can hike through the mountains without worrying about stumbling upon an angry buffalo or temperamental elephant.
—Mary Holland, Robb Report, 5 June 2025
Nokia’s leadership developed a temperamental style that made employees afraid to report bad news about their aging Symbian software as iPhone took over the market.
—Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Brody plays these hairpin temperamental turns for maximum comedic effect in what’s probably the funniest of his Anderson performances.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 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 2 Jul. 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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