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Synonyms

malingerer

American  
[muh-ling-ger-er] / məˈlɪŋ gər ər /

noun

  1. a person who pretends to be sick, especially in order to avoid work or shirk responsibilities.

    Don’t reinforce the misguided perception that injured workers are just malingerers looking for a "paid vacation."


Etymology

Origin of malingerer

First recorded in 1755–65; from French malingre “sickly,” of uncertain origin (perhaps from mal “badly” + obsolete haingre, heingre “lean, skinny”) + -er 1 ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It’s starting to make me feel like I’m a malingerer.

From Washington Post

These patients are often dismissed as malingerers or as suffering from a psychosomatic condition—and so it still is with long COVID.

From Scientific American

Experts have said Army culture breeds the belief that missing soldiers are malingerers or cowards, which makes finding them a low priority.

From Washington Post

Experts have said Army culture breeds belief that missing soldiers are malingerers or cowards, which makes finding them a low priority.

From Seattle Times

When the Lakers brought back Howard before the season, this space ripped them for embracing a historically selfish malingerer.

From Los Angeles Times