Which prefix means "bad or difficult"?

The prefix "Dys-" means "bad" or "difficult" and is used in various medical terms to indicate an impaired or abnormal condition. For instance, in the term "dysfunction," it refers to an abnormal or impaired functioning of a particular organ or system. This prefix captures the idea of difficulty or distress and is often found in medical contexts to describe conditions that deviate from the norm.

The other prefixes have distinct meanings. "Mis-" generally means incorrect or wrongly, such as in "misdiagnosis." "Mal-" indicates something harmful or bad, often used in terms like "malnutrition," which refers to poor nutrition rather than outright difficulty. "Anti-" means against or opposed to something, such as in "antibiotic," which denotes a substance that fights against bacteria. Each prefix adds a specific nuance, but "Dys-" is the one that directly correlates with the idea of bad or difficult conditions.