Misbehaving: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is often used broadly to describe children or pets not following rules or being disruptive in general.

• The teacher had to discipline several students for misbehaving during class.
• The dog was misbehaving at the park, so we had to leave early.

Typically used to describe someone or something that is being difficult or troublesome in a more spontaneous or less serious way. Can also refer to objects malfunctioning.

• The students began to act up when the substitute teacher arrived.
• My computer is acting up again, I think it needs a restart.

A straightforward way to indicate undesirable or inappropriate behavior. It is often used in formal or serious contexts.

• Employees who behave badly in the workplace may face disciplinary action.
• She was upset that her son was behaving badly at the family gathering.

Commonly used to describe children or individuals expressing emotional distress through disruptive behavior. Often implies an underlying issue or cry for attention.

• When children experience trauma, they may act out in school.
• She started to act out after her parents' divorce.

Use this when someone is generally not following rules or acting in an unacceptable manner, particularly in a way that disrupts others.

• The children were misbehaving during the class and the teacher had to intervene
• If you continue misbehaving, you will not get any dessert

This phrase is more formal and is often used in professional or official scenarios where someone's actions are deemed unsuitable for the situation.

• The employee was fired because he acted inappropriately during the meeting
• It's important to act appropriately at work to maintain a professional environment

In general, this indicates not adhering to accepted manners or rules. It can be used in both personal and professional contexts.

• Guests were asked to leave because they were behaving improperly
• The students behaved improperly, disrupting the entire event

This phrase suggests someone is behaving in a way that disrespects social or organizational norms. It often carries a negative connotation.

• He acted out of line by interrupting the speaker repeatedly
• You can't act out of line like that in a courtroom