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

New study suggests possible breakthrough in treating autism Fox News contributor Dr. Marc Siegel unpacks a report suggesting a drug used primarily for seizures and behavioral issues could help treat autism. —Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 28 Jan. 2025

In 2003, Matthijs Schilder and Joanne van der Borg, researchers from the Netherlands, assessed the short and long-term behavioral effects of dog training with shock collars. —Dawn Kovell, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025

According to behavioral researchers, acts of generosity trigger positive emotions not only in recipients, but also in those who perform them. —Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025

In addition, Egnyte's behavioral analysis reports and alerts offer possible insight into an employee's state of mind. —Daniel Brame, PCMAG, 27 Jan. 2025

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