B2adjectiveemotionsrelationships
US/ˌbædˈtem.pərd/
UK/ˌbædˈtem.pəd/
often angry or annoyed, and easy to upset
In context
My boss is always bad-tempered before his first cup of coffee.
The bad-tempered driver shouted at everyone who crossed the road.
She became bad-tempered when she was tired or hungry.
Words that go with bad-tempered
adjective + noun
- bad-tempered old manA bad-tempered old man lives next door.
- bad-tempered childA tired, bad-tempered child cried through the flight.
- bad-tempered bossA bad-tempered boss makes the office tense.
adjective + preposition
- bad-tempered withHe was bad-tempered with the staff all day.
- bad-tempered aboutDo not be so bad-tempered about a small mistake.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He is a bad temper man.Correct: He is a bad-tempered man.