Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

short-tempered

American  
[shawrt-tem-perd] / ˈʃɔrtˈtɛm pərd /

adjective

  1. having a quick, hasty temper; irascible.

    Synonyms:
    waspish, choleric, testy, irritable

short-tempered British  

adjective

  1. easily moved to anger; irascible

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of short-tempered

First recorded in 1885–90

Vocabulary lists containing short-tempered

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Buckley said the effects of Arlo's brain injury have also changed his behaviour and personality, leaving him more short-tempered, easily frustrated and tired.

From BBC Mar. 1, 2026

“People were waiting longer than usual for their food and that makes them short-tempered and impatient,” recalls Tyler Trautman, a shift leader.

From Seattle Times Oct. 13, 2023

“We’ve all been hot, moody and short-tempered with each other,” Ms. Kim said, adding, “But we’re finding ways to have fun and entertain ourselves.”

From New York Times Jun. 2, 2023

Thompson further promised that comedian Sinbad would reprise his role as the short-tempered schoolteacher, Mr. Wheat.

From Los Angeles Times Mar. 20, 2023

I had known boys who were unpredictable and short-tempered, who roared through life like a whirlwind and never once looked back.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 12,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training