adjective

temperamental

/ˌtɛmpərəˈmɛntəl/ · say it: TEM·per·uh·MEN·tuhl

having unpredictable moods

In Personality & Character

In more detail

1. (adjective) having sudden changes in mood or behavior; unpredictable and easily upset

2. (adjective) (of a machine or device) not working reliably; often breaking down or malfunctioning

Examples

1. His temperamental nature made it difficult for others to work with him.
2. The old printer is temperamental and jams constantly.

How to use temperamental

Temperamental describes either people prone to sudden mood swings and emotional instability, or machines and devices that malfunction unpredictably. With people, it often carries a slight sense of eccentricity or artistic sensitivity. With objects, it suggests unreliability and the need for careful handling. It is less harsh than volatile and more specific to unpredictability than merely moody.

Common phrases

temperamental child
temperamental artist
temperamental machine
temperamental engine
temperamental behavior
temperamental nature

Synonyms

moody · volatile · unpredictable · irritable · capricious

Opposites

stable · even-tempered · reliable

Word family

temperament · temperamentally

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse it with 'temperate' (moderate, self-controlled), which is nearly the opposite in meaning.

Learn it for good

Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.

Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD