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

Using two of the eight Bowen concepts, innovator and estate planning thought leader Paul Hood provides valuable insight into the growing relevance of this theory, discussing the intersection between family, behavioral finance, and effective estate planning. —William Mullane, USA TODAY, 25 Sep. 2024

Inclusion is not a vague amorphous concept—distinct behavioral competencies can be measured to identify developmental needs and close via training and coaching. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024

Proposition 1 poured billions of dollars into behavioral health treatment centers and created 6,800 residential treatment beds across the state. —Emily Hallas, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 20 Sep. 2024

Meanwhile, even the youngest children, who were not yet in school when lockdowns began, are showing troubling signs of academic and behavioral delays. —Anna North, Vox, 19 Sep. 2024

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