Word Formation – Negative Prefixes (B2+)

In English, several prefixes are used to give a word the opposite or negative meaning. This worksheet focuses on the most common negative prefixes: in-, im-, il-, ir-, un-, and dis-.

Prefix Guide

Here is a quick reference table to help you understand how negative prefixes are usually used:

Prefix Typical Use Example
in- General use invisible, incorrect, incapable, inappropriate, inefficient
im- Before m/p/b Immoral, immortal, immature, impolite, immobile               impure, imperfect, impossible BUT unpleasant

imbalance
il- Before words beginning with ‚l‘ illegal, illogical, illiterate, illegible BUT unlikely
ir- Before words beginning with ‚r‘ irregular, irresponsible, irrational, irreplaceable, irresistible, irrelevant BUT unresponsive
un- With common adjectives unhappy, unfair, unknown
dis- With verbs and some nouns  

 

disagree, disconnect, discomfort

 

Double-check your spelling

 Exercise: Complete the sentences

Use the correct negative prefix to complete the sentences. Choose from: in-, im-, il-, ir-, un-, dis-.

  1. It’s completely __________ to expect perfect results without any practice. (realistic)
  2. The note was __________ due to the rain and messy handwriting. (legible)
  3. He’s __________ of staying calm under pressure. (capable)
  4. The student was punished for his __________ behavior in class. (respectful)
  5. Her comment was __________ and made everyone feel uncomfortable. (appropriate)
  6. The weather forecast was totally __________ – it didn’t even rain. (accurate)
  7. She’s been feeling __________ since she failed the driving test. (happy)
  8. Publishing this article without checking facts would be __________. (responsible)
  9. Driving without a license is __________ in every country. (legal)
  10. After the accident, he was completely __________________ and didn’t answer any questions. (response)
  11. It’s highly __________________ that she will change her mind now… (like)
  12. The meeting ended early because the atmosphere was extremely __________________. (pleasant)
  13. My grandmother’s ring is __________________ to me – no money could replace it. (replace)
  14. The two leaders were __________ on most issues and avoided working together. (agree)
  15. I couldn’t hear the announcement – it was completely __________. (audible)
  16. His response was so flat and __________ that nobody knew what he really felt. (emotional)
  17. The actor was criticized for his __________ remarks in a live interview. (sensitive)
  18. Their decision to raise the prices was considered deeply __________ by customers. (fair)
  19. The document was rejected because it was __________ with the required format. (compatible)

 

The key:

  1. unrealistic 2. illegible 3. incapable 4. disrespectful 5. inappropriate 6. inaccurate 7. unhappy 8. irresponsible 9. illegal                   10. unresponsive 11.unlikely 12.unpleasant 13.irreplaceable 14. disagreeable 15. inaudible 16. unemotional 17. insensitive             18. unfair 19. incompatible
WF – negative prefixes – in-, im-, il-, ir-, un-, and dis-