behavioral

adjective

be·​hav·​ior·​al bi-ˈhā-vyə-rəl 

bē-

1

: of or relating to behavior : pertaining to reactions made in response to social stimuli

behavioral problems

behavioral similarities

Half of all potential guide dogs don't get final clearance because of medical or behavioral issues.

—Cassie Kreitner

2

: relating to or concerned with the social, psychological, and emotional factors that affect financial decisions and behavior

behavioral economics

Behavioral finance … holds that financial man—far from the perfect, mechanical trader depicted in textbooks—is a rather neurotic fellow. He follows the crowd, fails to plan ahead and often makes mistakes.

—Roger Lowenstein

behaviorally

bi-ˈhā-vyə-rə-lē 

bē-

adverb

… gradually came to the conclusion that the wild dogs are physically and behaviorally distinct enough to constitute a uniform breed.

—Christine Mlot

Examples of behavioral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These are digital environments populated by AI agents with goals, memories, and incentives—each one designed to approximate a real-world behavioral profile. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026

The program allows eligible CalOptima members experiencing homelessness to receive proactive care to support their health and stability, including primary care, behavioral health services and case management. —Mona Darwish, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2026

Some Broader Implications and Skepticism The researchers argue the findings support an emerging view that disability provides a powerful natural lens on behavioral flexibility and resilience in animals. —Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2026

Their behavioral and social challenges — territorial instincts, specific space needs and complex flock dynamics — make placement a logistical puzzle under the best circumstances. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing behavioral

• behavioral modification
• behavioral science
• behavioral therapist
• behavioral therapy
• cognitive behavioral therapy

Rhymes for behavioral

• behavioural
• biobehavioral
• neurobehavioral