What does misbehaviour mean?
Misbehaviour is conduct that departs from accepted standards of proper or responsible behaviour. It is especially common in references to children and pupils, where it can mean disobedience, disruption, or actions that adults consider unsuitable, although the severity of the conduct may vary considerably from minor mischief to serious misconduct. The word is usually uncountable in everyday English and is particularly associated with institutional settings such as schools, although it can describe behaviour in any social context. In technical writing, it has a separate figurative use for a system or component operating incorrectly. The usual British spelling is “misbehaviour,” while American English generally uses “misbehavior.” Because it focuses on conduct that violates expectations, misbehaviour is often more neutral than words such as delinquency or criminality, but it can still imply a need for correction or control.
Conduct that is contrary to accepted rules or expectations, especially inappropriate or disruptive conduct by children or pupils.
"The school has introduced clearer rules to reduce misbehaviour during lessons."
Usually uncountable in general English; British English spells it with -our, while American English normally uses misbehavior.
Unexpected or malfunctioning behaviour in a technical system, device, or component.
"Engineers isolated the source of the network's misbehaviour."
This is a specialised technical sense, especially common in computing, electronics, and engineering.
Usually uncountable when referring generally to bad conduct; the plural is uncommon but may distinguish separate instances.
"The report documented several misbehaviours that the new guidelines had failed to prevent."
A machine can have misbehaviour too: in computing, the term describes a component that fails to operate in the expected way.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does misbehaviour come from?
Misbehaviour is formed from the prefix mis-, meaning wrongly or badly, and behaviour. Behaviour comes through Middle English from Old French beour, a word associated with conduct or bearing, and ultimately from Latin habere, meaning to have or hold. The combination mis- plus behaviour developed in the early 19th century, with the American form misbehavior later reflecting the established US spelling of behavior.
Related word forms
How misbehaviour is actually used
The standard British spelling is misbehaviour; the standard US spelling is misbehavior. It is usually uncountable in general use, though a plural is possible when referring to separate instances of bad conduct. In schools and discussions of children, it often denotes behaviour that is disruptive, disrespectful, or contrary to rules.
Easily confused with misbehaviour
Misconduct often suggests a more serious breach of a rule, law, or duty, whereas misbehaviour is commonly used for behaviour that disrupts order or fails to meet expected social or classroom standards.
Mischief usually refers to playful or mildly troublesome behaviour, while misbehaviour can include more serious or persistent disorderly conduct.