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

The Kane County Health Department is recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month in May with two free webinars focused on behavioral health and aging-related services. —Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026

These include subtle changes in tone, inconsistencies in language, and behavioral markers that are difficult for humans to notice in real time. —Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 14 May 2026

Lead, a potent neurotoxin, can cause developmental delays, behavioral problems and growth issues in children; it was known to be in Los Angeles County soils before the fires. —Aarne Heikkila, NBC news, 14 May 2026

The parent of the child later told investigators the boy began experiencing behavioral issues going as far back as April 2025. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 14 May 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