malingerer

[ muh-ling-ger-er ]

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."

Word History and Origins

Origin of malingerer¹

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

It did not take me many days to realise that I was up against the most practised malingerer in the British (or any other) army.

From Project Gutenberg

When the last malingerer arrived with yawns still unfinished, Prissy seized upon a temporary hush and began to laugh.

From Project Gutenberg

The fellow's a palpable malingerer, and his being here makes it ever so much worse.

From Project Gutenberg

So in the same way hospital doctors will soon find out the malingerer.

From Project Gutenberg

One night there was a heavy snowfall, and in the morning Pike, the malingerer, did not appear.

From Project Gutenberg