misbehavior

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "misbehavior" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone acting in a way that is not considered socially acceptable. For example, "The principal suspended the student for his misbehavior in class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's certainly lucrative for the banks – and the odds are the sheer magnitude of those profits has something to do with a readiness to protect a system that generates such lavish rewards, even if it requires closing one's eyes to misbehavior.

The Guardian - Money

Just as Las Vegas has long succeeded by allowing more misbehavior than Nevada's neighbors, Dubai recognizes the opportunity that come from the strictness of neighboring Islamic states.

The Economist

So it is that Saudis have reacted warily to allegations, first revealed in France last October and lately amplified in the British press, implicating King Abdullah himself in misbehavior.

The Economist

Moral hazard arises when two or more parties form an agreement or contractual relationship and the arrangement itself provides the incentive for misbehavior by insuring one party against responsibility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Friends who knew him talk of a gentleman with a taste for misbehavior, a well-read, hard-drinking historian with a taste for Nazi memorabilia.

Independent

The UFC announced the extraordinary penalties Tuesday night for violations of its athlete code of conduct policy following Jones' latest arrest in a string of misbehavior.

Independent

Their names and a description of their alleged misbehavior were entered onto the administration's list and will remain there for one to three years.

Independent

All is innocent misbehavior until one day they encounter Abula, the town's "vision-seeing" madman both feared and revered for his soothsaying, who predicts Ikena will die by the hand of one of his brothers.

Independent

And, to be sure, some parents have argued that it is the misbehavior of children that leads to spanking – not the reverse.

Independent

The matter became the subject of media scrutiny, with the US Army having charged Bergdahl with one count of desertion and one count of misbehavior before the enemy.

Independent

Fay remains as scatterbrained as ever, barely able to take stock of her son's misbehavior in school ("You're grounded, like, forever"), let alone of the wider warpings beyond.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "misbehavior", be specific about the actions that constitute the inappropriate conduct to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid substituting vague or overly gentle terms for "misbehavior" when a more direct and descriptive word is needed to accurately convey the severity or nature of the actions.

Linguistic Context

"Misbehavior" functions as a noun, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes actions that deviate from accepted standards of conduct. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable term. Examples show its use in discussing school discipline, ethical breaches, and general misconduct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "misbehavior" is a noun used to describe conduct considered inappropriate or unacceptable, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its usage is very common across various contexts, especially in News & Media. The term maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal discussions. To enhance your writing, be specific when describing instances of "misbehavior", and avoid overusing euphemisms that may dilute the intended meaning. Understanding these nuances ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bad conduct

Focuses on the general quality of someone's actions being negative or inappropriate.

improper behavior

Emphasizes the lack of adherence to expected standards of politeness or etiquette.

unruly conduct

Conveys a sense of being difficult to control or manage, often disruptive.

wrongdoing

Suggests a more serious level of transgression, often implying a moral or legal offense.

indiscipline

Refers to a lack of self-control or obedience, particularly in a structured environment.

naughty behavior

Often used in the context of children or playful disobedience.

transgression

Indicates crossing a boundary or limit, often with moral or ethical implications.

disobedience

Specifically indicates a failure to follow instructions or commands.

delinquency

Commonly associated with illegal or antisocial behavior, especially among young people.

infraction

Highlights the violation of a rule or law, often a minor one.

FAQs

How can I use "misbehavior" in a sentence?

"Misbehavior" is a noun that refers to improper or unacceptable conduct. For example, "The teacher addressed the students' "bad conduct" during the field trip."

What are some synonyms for "misbehavior"?

Synonyms for "misbehavior" include "bad conduct", "improper behavior", "naughty behavior", and "wrongdoing". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "misbehavior" and "crime"?

"Misbehavior" generally refers to actions that are inappropriate or violate rules, while "crime" refers specifically to actions that are illegal and punishable by law. "Wrongdoing" can sometimes lead to a crime.

Is "misbehavior" a formal or informal term?

"Misbehavior" is a relatively neutral term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "improper behavior" or "wrongdoing" may be preferred in certain settings.