temperamental

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adjective tem·per·a·men·tal \ ˌtem-p(ə-)rə-ˈmen-tᵊl , ˌtem-pər-ˈmen- \

Definition of temperamental

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

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temperamentally

play \-tᵊl-ē\ adverb

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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 of temperamental from the Web

Trump aides and staffers have often spoken of the president like a temperamental child, easily distracted and prone to ranting and raving when his ego is threatened.

— bess levin, The Hive, "White House Urges World to Ignore Donald Trump," 9 Aug. 2017
Engaging, talented, intense, aggressive, tenacious, focused, intelligent, temperamental, leader and versatile are used to describe Trey, a student at Schulze Elementary School on Detroit's west side whose favorite subject is English.

— perry a. farrell, Detroit Free Press, "Size doesn't matter when it comes to Trey Banks' competitive nature," 3 Aug. 2017
The actress behind the temperamental (and hysterical) media maven, Miriam Shor, gives us an exclusive tour of Diana's very glam apartment.

— sara tardiff, ELLE Decor, "Exclusive Tour: 'Younger' Star Miriam Shor Shows Us Inside Diana Trout's Apartment," 24 July 2017
If your skin is super-sensitive, oils can be a bit tricky to figure out, since many varieties — particularly oxidized citrus oils and warming essential oils (such as cinnamon) can aggravate temperamental skin.

— gillian fuller, Allure, "How to Make Essential Oils Work For Your Skin Type," 19 July 2017
These include: his level of knowledge and sophistication on policy, his temperamental balance, his process of decision-making, his scrupulousness about truth, and his standards in allies, advisors, confidantes, and enemies.

— james fallows, The Atlantic, "What’s Broken—and What’s Still Working—in American Politics," 14 July 2017
But eating a tender piece of salt-and-peppered tri-tip perfectly cooked for hours over an open fire pit fueled by temperamental California red oak in the grand tradition of the state’s only native barbecue style?

— sarah bennett, Daily Pilot, "SeaSalt Woodfire Grill’s tri-tip is an authentic experience," 25 June 2017
And while these creatures are also proven experts in handling temperamental complexions exacerbated by long days, early call times, and frequent travel, exterior beauty is simply a fraction of the equation to becoming a modern-day Super.

— jasmine contomichalos, Vogue, "How 5 Supermodels Prep and Detox for Summer," 24 June 2017
Juszkiewicz, 64, is known for being temperamental, ultracompetitive and difficult to work for.

— geoff edgers, chicagotribune.com, "The slow, secret death of the electric guitar — and why you should care," 23 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'temperamental.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.