dys-

American  

1. a combining form meaning “ill,” “bad,” used in the formation of compound words.

   dysfunction.

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dys- British  

prefix

1. diseased, abnormal, or faulty

   dysentery

   dyslexia

2. difficult or painful

   dysuria

3. unfavourable or bad

   dyslogistic

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Etymology

Origin of dys-

< Greek; cognate with Old Norse tor-, German zer-, Sanskrit dus-

Example Sentences

The problem is that dys- means something negative: dysfunction, dyslexia, dystopia.

From Salon • Oct. 27, 2019