short-tempered

American  

[shawrt-tem-perd] / ˈʃɔrtˈtɛm pərd /

adjective

1. having a quick, hasty temper; irascible.

   Synonyms:

   waspish, choleric, testy, irritable

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short-tempered British  

adjective

1. easily moved to anger; irascible

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Etymology

Origin of short-tempered

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

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

As Dick, the serious, short-tempered one, berated him for failing to acknowledge his error, he would scream in exasperation, “Mom always liked you best!”

From Seattle Times • Dec. 27, 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

In turn, Dallas and Florida had come to think of most adults as trouble grown-ups, for that had been their experience, that most grown-ups they’d encountered were short-tempered, impatient, and quick to punish.

From "Ruby Holler" by Sharon Creech