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
Your 2nd House of Resources faces a tug as temperamental Moon opposes aching Chiron in your 8th House of Intimacy and Resources, asking for careful boundaries.
—
Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026
There are only a handful of players who can survive temperamental eruptions and win matches, seemingly using that eruption to clear the brain and create a hinge moment.
—Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 26 May 2026
The pursuit takes Bond across the world, from Slovakia to the dangerous black market of Aleph, ruled by the temperamental Bawma (Lenny Kravitz).
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 26 May 2026
Naturally, reports of Crowe’s temperamental nature have dwindled over the last 10 years.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for temperamental
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Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026
There are only a handful of players who can survive temperamental eruptions and win matches, seemingly using that eruption to clear the brain and create a hinge moment.
—Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 26 May 2026
The pursuit takes Bond across the world, from Slovakia to the dangerous black market of Aleph, ruled by the temperamental Bawma (Lenny Kravitz).
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 26 May 2026
Naturally, reports of Crowe’s temperamental nature have dwindled over the last 10 years.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 26 May 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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