C1adjectivepsychologyemotions
US/ˌtem.pər.əˈmen.təl/
UK/ˌtem.pər.əˈmen.təl/
likely to change mood suddenly or become angry easily; also, not working reliably
In context
The singer was famously temperamental and often canceled concerts at the last minute.
Our old coffee machine is temperamental, so sometimes it just refuses to work.
He is a talented chef, but temperamental when things go wrong in the kitchen.
Words that go with temperamental
adverb + adjective
- notoriously temperamentalThe engine is notoriously temperamental in cold weather.
- famously temperamentalThe director was famously temperamental on set.
adjective + noun
- temperamental artistA temperamental artist can be hard to work with.
- temperamental engineHe nursed a temperamental engine all the way home.
- temperamental childTheir youngest was a temperamental child.