Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Likely to perform unpredictably; erratic: Used to describe machines, devices, or systems that function inconsistently and are prone to sudden, unexplained failures or changes in performance.
   • Subject to sharply varying moods; moody: Describes a person whose emotional state or behavior is unstable, changing quickly and often without an obvious reason.
   • Relating to or caused by inherent temperament; constitutional: Pertaining to the fundamental, innate aspects of a person's character or nature.

Usage Examples

• Describing unpredictable performance:
  • The old car is very temperamental; it only starts on cold mornings if you pump the gas three times.
  • We couldn't rely on the temperamental printer during the important presentation.
• Describing a moody person:
  • The director was known for being temperamental, cheerful one moment and furious the next.
  • She apologized for her temperamental outburst, blaming it on stress.
• Relating to inherent nature:
  • His temperamental aversion to conflict made him an excellent mediator.
  • A certain temperamental stubbornness runs in their family.

Advanced Usage

• "to be temperamental about something": To be inconsistently sensitive or reactive regarding a specific thing.
  • The satellite connection is temperamental about heavy cloud cover.
• Used in formal or literary contexts to describe a fundamental, ingrained characteristic.
  • The philosopher wrote about the temperamental differences between various schools of thought.

Variants and Related Words

• Temperament (n): A person's or animal's nature, especially as it permanently affects their behavior.
  • The puppy has a calm temperament.
• Temperamentally (adv): In a way that relates to temperament or mood.
  • They are temperamentally unsuited for the high-pressure job.

Synonyms

• Unpredictable: Not able to be predicted; changeable.
• Moody: Given to unpredictable changes of mood, especially sudden bouts of gloominess or sullenness.
• Erratic: Not even or regular in pattern or movement; unpredictable.
• Volatile: Liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse.

Antonyms

• Reliable: Consistently good in quality or performance; able to be trusted.
• Stable: Not likely to change or fail; firmly established.
• Even-tempered: Not easily annoyed or angered; calm.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• A temperamental artist: A common stereotype describing a creative person (e.g., musician, painter) who is genius but emotionally volatile and difficult to work with.
  • Managing the temperamental artist required immense patience from the entire crew.
• Temperamental as the weather: An informal comparison highlighting extreme unpredictability.
  • His moods are as temperamental as the weather this time of year.

Adjective

1. likely to perform unpredictably; sometimes it would start and sometimes it wouldn't"
   • erratic winds are the bane of a sailor
   • a temperamental motor
   • that beautiful but temperamental instrument the flute- Osbert Lancaster
2. subject to sharply varying moods
   • a temperamental opera singer
3. relating to or caused by temperament
   • temperamental indifference to neatness
   • temperamental peculiarities