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
On the surface, telling Night Night Fawn through a character as transphobic, narcissistic, and temperamental as Barbara might seem to give greater weight to the perspectives that shape anti-trans sentiments and legislation.
—
Isle McElroy, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
The North Face’s ThermoBall Traction Mules are the perfect shoes to wear for temperamental weather.
—Iman Balagam, InStyle, 16 Mar. 2026
Other elevated styles that aren’t silk include the Cider Mesh Ruffle Cocktail Dress—made with stretchy spandex and mesh—or the Btfbm Ruffle Mermaid Cocktail Dress with sleeves for temperamental spring weather.
—Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
The temperamental Moon hugs vulnerable Chiron, steadying your 2nd House of Resources and your 10th House of Control.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for temperamental
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Isle McElroy, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
The North Face’s ThermoBall Traction Mules are the perfect shoes to wear for temperamental weather.
—Iman Balagam, InStyle, 16 Mar. 2026
Other elevated styles that aren’t silk include the Cider Mesh Ruffle Cocktail Dress—made with stretchy spandex and mesh—or the Btfbm Ruffle Mermaid Cocktail Dress with sleeves for temperamental spring weather.
—Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
The temperamental Moon hugs vulnerable Chiron, steadying your 2nd House of Resources and your 10th House of Control.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 1 Mar. 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 22 Mar. 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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