This blog entry is about the adjective “temperamental”. We use it to describe a person or a machine which is very sensitive and unpredictable. Let me give you some example sentences using it.
I heard that actress is really temperamental, so nobody wants to work with her.
My new boss is supposed to be really temperamental, so I’m really worried about working for him.
Please be aware that this photocopier can be quite temperamental. Sometimes you have to hit it to make it work.
I’m really frustrated with my car these days. It still works, but it’s become really temperamental.
When we use this word to talk about a person, as in my first two examples, they are very sensitive emotionally and their behavior cannot be predicted.
When we use this word to talk about a machine, as in my last two examples, it is very sensitive physically and whether or not it works properly cannot be predicted.
In English, both ways of using this word are equally common. In all cases, this word is considered negative.
English Help Online's Blog 