List of Words with the Prefix “Mal”
The prefix “mal-“ comes from Latin, meaning “bad,” “ill,” “wrong,” or “poorly.” It is often used in English to form words that convey a negative or unfavorable meaning. Below is a categorized list of common words with the prefix “mal-“ along with their meanings.
1. Words Related to Health or Functioning
- Malnutrition: Poor nutrition due to an insufficient or unbalanced diet.
- Malady: A disease, illness, or disorder.
- Malfunction: A failure to function properly.
- Malaise: A general feeling of discomfort or unease.
- Malpractice: Improper or unethical behavior, especially by a professional.
- Malabsorption: Poor absorption of nutrients by the digestive system.
2. Words Related to Behavior or Morality
- Malice: The intention or desire to harm others.
- Malicious: Showing or intending harm or ill will.
- Malfeasance: Wrongdoing, especially by a public official.
- Malcontent: A person who is dissatisfied or rebellious.
- Malevolent: Having or showing a desire to harm others.
- Malign: To speak about someone in a harmful or untruthful way.
3. Words Related to Conditions or States
- Malodor: A bad or unpleasant smell.
- Maladjusted: Poorly adapted or unable to cope with the demands of life.
- Malformation: A deformity or abnormality in structure.
- Malignant: Harmful or dangerous, often used to describe cancerous tumors.
4. Words Related to Governance or Society
- Maladministration: Poor or inefficient management, especially in government.
- Malefactor: A person who commits a crime or does wrong.
- Maldistribution: Unequal or unfair distribution, often of resources.
5. Words Related to Communication
- Malapropism: The misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar.
- Malediction: A curse or expression of bad intent.
- Maligner: To falsely accuse or slander someone.
6. Miscellaneous Words
- Malapropos: Inappropriate or out of place.
- Malware: Software designed to harm or disrupt systems.
- Malodorous: Smelling unpleasant or offensive.