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temperamental

adjective

/ˌtɛmprəˈmɛntl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of temperamental

Prone to sudden and unpredictable mood swings, changes of emotions, or behavior.
"The actress was temperamental and was known to have outbursts on set."

Detailed meaning of temperamental

It is often used to describe someone who is easily upset, irritated or angered, and who can be difficult to predict or understand. It can also refer to someone who is prone to emotional outbursts, fits of anger, or volatile behavior. A temperamental person can also be described as inconsistent, changeable, or unpredictable in their actions and reactions. The term can also be used to describe things like machines, instruments, or equipment that are easily affected by changes in temperature, humidity, or other environmental factors, making them difficult to control or maintain. In general, temperamental refers to a tendency to change frequently and unpredictably in mood or behavior.

Example sentences containing temperamental

1. The temperamental actor stormed off the set after a minor disagreement with the director.
2. Her temperamental nature made team projects a rollercoaster of emotions for everyone.
3. Despite his temperamental personality, he was a brilliant and innovative scientist.
4. The temperamental weather kept the hikers on their toes throughout the journey.
5. She had a temperamental cat that could be cuddly one moment and aloof the next.
6. The temperamental musician frequently clashed with band members during rehearsals.

History and etymology of temperamental

The adjective 'temperamental' has its etymology rooted in the word 'temperament,' which comes from the Latin 'temperamentum,' meaning 'mixture' or 'blend.' In ancient times, one's temperament was believed to be influenced by the balance of bodily fluids or humors. Over time, the term 'temperament' came to describe one's natural disposition or characteristic qualities. 'Temperamental' subsequently evolved to describe individuals who are prone to sudden and unpredictable mood swings, changes of emotions, or behavior, emphasizing the notion that one's inherent disposition can lead to varying and sometimes challenging reactions. The etymology of 'temperamental' underscores the idea of a mixture of traits that can result in unpredictable and changeable behavior or emotional states.

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Further usage examples of temperamental

1. His temperamental engine made long road trips a gamble he wasn't willing to take.
2. The temperamental toddler could go from laughing to crying in a matter of seconds.
3. She was known for her temperamental leadership, which frustrated her employees.
4. The temperamental artist had bursts of creativity followed by long slumps.
5. Navigating the temperamental stock market required skill and a lot of luck.
6. With a temperamental chef in the kitchen, the restaurant staff treaded carefully.
7. The temperamental student's unpredictable behavior was a challenge for the teacher.
8. She was a temperamental athlete, performing brilliantly one day and poorly the next.
9. The temperamental software often crashed, causing delays in the project timeline.
10. His temperamental appetite made meal planning a near-impossible task for his family.
11. The temperamental diva's mood swings kept the entire theater production on edge.
12. A temperamental Wi-Fi connection made remote work frustratingly inconsistent.
13. Despite her temperamental character, she was a valued member of the community.
14. The temperamental politician frequently changed stances, confusing his constituents.
15. The artist was known for her temperamental behavior and would often throw a fit if things didn't go her way.
16. The car was temperamental and would often break down unexpectedly.
17. The musician was temperamental and would sometimes walk off stage if the crowd wasn't responding to his music.
18. The horse was temperamental and would sometimes refuse to be ridden.
19. The chef was temperamental and would sometimes throw ingredients if things weren't going well in the kitchen.
20. The weather was temperamental and would often change unexpectedly.
21. The device was temperamental and would often malfunction.
22. The child was temperamental and would sometimes throw tantrums when things didn't go his way.
23. The machine was temperamental and needed to be handled with care.
24. The athlete was temperamental and would sometimes lose his cool during games.
25. The computer system was temperamental and would often crash.