Malbehaved describes someone, particularly a child or animal, who exhibits disruptive, unruly, or disobedient conduct. It signifies a failure to adhere to accepted standards of behavior, often resulting in actions that cause annoyance, trouble, or harm to others. This encompasses a range of behaviors, from minor infractions like talking back or squirming to more serious transgressions like bullying or destructive actions. The term often implies a need for correction or discipline to help the individual learn appropriate social norms and self-control, and can apply to both overt and covert displays of inappropriate conduct, highlighting a deviation from expected standards of decorum.
Malbehaved meaning with examples
- The kindergarten teacher sighed, describing the new student as malbehaved. He refused to share toys, constantly interrupted lessons, and frequently wandered away from the group. Despite gentle corrections and redirection, his actions persisted, disrupting the classroom environment and requiring constant supervision to ensure the safety and well-being of himself and his classmates.
- The puppy was undeniably malbehaved, chewing on furniture, digging up the garden, and barking incessantly at passersby. Training classes had begun, but changing his behavior proved to be an ongoing challenge, his exuberance and playful energy often translating into chaos. The owners hoped that patience and consistent reinforcement would eventually curb his unruly tendencies.
- The report on the unruly crowd outside the concert venue detailed several malbehaved individuals. Several people pushed other concert goers, shouted insults, and were throwing bottles into the crowd, disrupting the entire venue and putting many concert goers at risk. Security personnel had to intervene to restore order.
- The neighborhood teenagers were often accused of being malbehaved, leaving trash in public spaces, spray-painting graffiti, and disregarding curfews. Their disregard for community rules created tension within the neighborhood. The residents debated how best to address this issue, with concerns about enforcement versus education.