uncertain temper

USAGE SUMMARY

"uncertain temper" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means someone's mood or attitude that is unpredictable or unstable. You can use it anytime you want to describe someone's emotional state that is not definite or consistent. Example: "John's uncertain temper made it difficult for his colleagues to work with him as they never knew if he would be in a good or bad mood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

She was a woman of mean understanding, little information, and uncertain temper" ("Pride and Prejudice").

The New York Times - Books

They were reluctant to permit the heir Yoriie, a youth of uncertain temper and strong appetites, to become shogun.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But both countries really want to build their own defence industries, not to subsidise those of a declining empire with an uncertain temper.

The Economist

A colourful fellow of uncertain temper, he has beaten up his ministers, and fallen on his knees in front of crowds.

The Economist

A martinet of uncertain temper, he quarreled with his officers, illegally placing one in arrest, and was censured by the ensuing court-martial and forced to give up his command (1834).

Encyclopedia Britannica

He wrote to Howells, "I found that all their lives my children have been afraid of me! have stood all their days in uneasy dread of my sharp tongue and uncertain temper".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Banks believe they will grow in the medium to long term but the short-term outlook is less encouraging: "Activity and revenues are expected to decline over the coming quarter; predictions for demand remain weak, and an uncertain regulatory future continues to temper the banks growing confidence with caution," said Hitchins.

The Guardian - Business

Bryant's announcement was tempered by his uncertain future.

The New York Times - Sports

Asian stock markets sailed through choppy waters on Friday, tempted to follow up on the overnight gains on Wall Street and yet tempered by a still uncertain outlook for an end to the still unfolding credit crisis in the United States.

Forbes

But the cheers that filled the viewing gallery were quickly tempered by the bill's uncertain future.

The New York Times

Terms such as 'probable' (probabilis), 'credible' (credibilis) or 'truth-like' (verisimilis) were used to assess philosophical claims, qualify uncertain conclusions, gauge the force of arguments and temper academic disagreement.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "uncertain temper" to describe a character's disposition when you want to emphasize their unpredictability and the potential impact on others' interactions with them.

Common error

Avoid using "uncertain temper" when you simply mean someone is generally bad-tempered or irritable. The phrase implies a lack of consistency, not just negativity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncertain temper" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the quality of someone's "temper", indicating its unpredictable nature. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid phrase, common to describe an unstable emotional state.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "uncertain temper" is a grammatically correct and acceptable way to describe someone's unpredictable mood or disposition. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in written English. While not extremely common, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Economist, primarily within news and encyclopedic contexts. When employing this phrase, remember it conveys more than just irritability; it emphasizes the fluctuating and unpredictable nature of one's temperament, which could affect how others interact with them. Alternatives like "unpredictable mood" or "volatile disposition" can also be considered to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unstable emotions

Directly addresses the lack of emotional equilibrium.

unpredictable mood

Focuses specifically on the mood aspect, implying it changes without clear reason.

volatile disposition

Highlights the instability and potential for sudden changes in personality.

fluctuating mood

Highlights the changing aspect of mood.

erratic temperament

Emphasizes the inconsistency and irregularity of the person's emotional responses.

variable temperament

Similar to erratic, but with less negative connotations.

changeable nature

Broader than just temper, referring to overall inconsistency in character.

mercurial spirit

Implies a quick and unpredictable changeability, like the element mercury.

capricious attitude

Suggests a whimsical and impulsive nature, affecting how they treat others.

fits of rage

Focuses on the anger management side of things and the potential for outbursts.

FAQs

How can I describe someone with an "uncertain temper"?

You can describe someone with an "uncertain temper" as having an "unpredictable mood", a "volatile disposition", or an "erratic temperament".

What's the difference between "uncertain temper" and "bad temper"?

"Uncertain temper" implies unpredictability and inconsistency in mood, while "bad temper" suggests a consistently irritable and angry disposition.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "uncertain temper"?

The phrase "uncertain temper" is appropriate when describing someone whose mood or attitude fluctuates unpredictably, making it difficult to anticipate their reactions. It commonly appears in "news and media" and "encyclopedias".

What are some other ways to describe someone with "unstable emotions"?

Other ways to describe someone with "unstable emotions" include "having a "changeable nature"", being "mercurial in spirit"", or displaying a "capricious attitude".