misbehavior

noun

mis·​be·​hav·​ior ˌmis-bi-ˈhā-vyər 

-bē-

plural misbehaviors

1

: bad, improper, or rude behavior : ill conduct

scolded the children for their misbehavior

2

US military law : any conduct by a member of the armed forces before or in the presence of the enemy that does not conform to military standards or practice for such a situation

… is charged with desertion and misbehavior before the enemy, the latter of which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.

—The Boston Herald

Synonyms of misbehavior

• misconduct
• wrongdoing

Examples of misbehavior in a Sentence

would not tolerate any misbehavior from her students

Recent Examples on the Web

Social media has teemed with unsavory videos of Argentinean misbehavior in the stadiums, including fans hurling racial epithets at a Black American influencer and showering Egyptians with beer. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 16 July 2026

The family was repeatedly investigated by the Department of Family and Children Services for Colt’s misbehavior in school and lack of attendance, including missing the entirety of his 8th-grade year. — Devon M. Sayers, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

From tackling parent misbehavior on the sidelines to keeping your athlete healthy to the big business of youth sports, no topic is off limits for Carone and his guests. — Parents, 24 June 2026

Now SpaceX too will see any misbehavior in the CEO suite directly affecting performance on Wall Street. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 12 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for misbehavior

• misbehaviour
• behavior
• behaviour
• havior
• savior
• saviour