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

Ward said many area providers have seen increased wait times for services over the past several years, and the Northwestern Medicine behavioral health crisis line, 708-361-8255, saw a 15% year-over-year increase in call volume through the beginning of this year. —Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026

Hale listed his priorities as pushing back against social-emotional and behavioral health programs in public schools, including the state’s Community Schools Partnership Program. —William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2026

Monterrey Duvall questioned its effectiveness at addressing students’ mental health and behavioral needs. —Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 29 Apr. 2026

Schools with these policies report more instructional time, fewer behavioral disruptions, stronger student engagement, and improved peer relationships. —Krista Spurgin, Denver Post, 29 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