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
The pair must hustle their way out of trouble involving a temperamental drug boss and a whimsical cop investigating a celebrity murder.
—
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
Research suggests that many of its siblings are much more temperamental.
—Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 17 Oct. 2025
The Trench Coat Fall signals the return of temperamental weather—and Burberry’s trench coat remains the ultimate topper to shield you from rainy commutes in style.
—Minty Mellon, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2025
While anything can happen with Arizona’s temperamental weather, forecasters don’t expect a repeat of that record year.
—Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for temperamental
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Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
Research suggests that many of its siblings are much more temperamental.
—Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 17 Oct. 2025
The Trench Coat Fall signals the return of temperamental weather—and Burberry’s trench coat remains the ultimate topper to shield you from rainy commutes in style.
—Minty Mellon, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2025
While anything can happen with Arizona’s temperamental weather, forecasters don’t expect a repeat of that record year.
—Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 10 Oct. 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 24 Oct. 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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