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."

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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

“Ye’s lawyers called him a liar, a fraud, and a malingerer in court. His medical records, bank records, and personal family history were dissected, mocked, and vilified,” said attorney Ronald Zambrano in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

Gudetama is a genderless, cartoon egg with a sad face and a shiny yellow butt; a burnout, a slacker, a malingerer, crushed under the weight of their own melancholy.

From New York Times • Dec. 7, 2022

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

From Washington Post • Jun. 24, 2022

It’s possible your soon-to-be brother-in-law isn’t a malingerer or a manipulator but in genuine distress and without a useful diagnosis.

From Slate • May 24, 2016

Pat was lynx-eyed for a malingerer in his Honour's service; and, indeed, where the rule was so easy and pleasant there was no excuse for malingering.

From Mary Gray by Tynan, Katharine