What is the term for unwanted behavior that causes distress or discomfort to others?

The term that specifically refers to unwanted behavior that causes distress or discomfort to others is harassment. This can encompass a wide range of behaviors, including verbal, physical, and online actions that are intended to demean, intimidate, or create a hostile environment. Harassment is characterized by the unwanted nature of the behavior and its impact on the targeted individual or group, making it clear that the behavior is not just undesirable but also harmful and offensive.

In contrast, discrimination typically refers to unfair treatment based on characteristics such as race, gender, or disability, rather than the behavior itself causing distress. Misconduct is a broader term that can include a variety of inappropriate behaviors but does not specifically address the element of unwanted behavior that causes emotional discomfort. Bullying, while similar to harassment, often implies a repeated pattern of aggressive behavior directed at an individual, focusing more on the power dynamics involved rather than the general concept of distressing behavior. Thus, harassment is the most accurate term for unwanted behavior causing distress or discomfort to others.