intemperate

American  

[in-tem-per-it, -prit] / ɪnˈtɛm pər ɪt, -prɪt /

adjective

1. given to or characterized by excessive or immoderate indulgence in alcoholic beverages.

2. immoderate in indulgence of appetite or passion.

3. not temperate; unrestrained; unbridled.

4. extreme in temperature, as climate.

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intemperate British  

/ -prɪt, ɪnˈtɛmpərɪt /

adjective

1. consuming alcoholic drink habitually or to excess

2. indulging bodily appetites to excess; immoderate

3. unrestrained

   intemperate rage

4. extreme or severe

   an intemperate climate

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Other Word Forms

• intemperance noun
• intemperately adverb
• intemperateness noun

Etymology

Origin of intemperate

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English word from Latin word intemperātus. See in- ³, temperate

Example Sentences

They can start with the easy stuff, the often intemperate and poorly researched opposition to everything he does.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

Judge James Boasberg repeatedly clashed with justice department attorney Drew Ensign during a court hearing in Washington DC, saying he was not used to such "intemperate, disrespectful language" in government filings.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2025

As his critiques of Russia’s top military leaders grew more frequent and intemperate, he began to emerge as a public figure, insisting that his forces could do the job far better than the Russian regulars.

From New York Times • Jun. 24, 2023

A scroll through Twitter is all you have to do to find out the number of intemperate pastors Southern Baptists have.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2023

In intemperate language, he questioned whether the ANC was honorable enough to abide by any agreements it signed.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• unrestrained