misbehavior

especially British, mis·be·hav·iour

[mis-bi-heyv-yer]

noun

1. improper, inappropriate, or bad behavior.

Word History and Origins

Origin of misbehavior¹

First recorded in 1480–90; mis- ¹ + behavior

Example Sentences

When smartphones became ubiquitous, I assumed it would tamp down on public misbehavior, because cameras would be everywhere, and nobody would want to get caught and shamed.

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Now, she gathers evidence when her fellow officers are accused of misbehavior.

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They act as partisans, then hide behind their robes when criticized for egregious misbehavior.

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Sister Agnes chooses to voice her thoughts to the gathered cardinals only as an act of faith, calling out one of the papal candidates with evidence of his misbehavior.

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The moral purity of children will be ensured by Bible lessons taught in public school, supplemented with whatever corporal punishment juvenile misbehavior mandates.

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Related Words

• immorality 
• impropriety 
• insubordination 
• misconduct 
• misdeed 
• transgression 
• wrongdoing