Malinger

Pro Tip 1/3

Negative Connotation

Using 'malinger' often implies a judgment that the person is intentionally and dishonestly avoiding responsibility.

When he claimed to be sick again, his coworkers suspected he was malingering.

Pro Tip 2/3

Often Undetectable

'Malinger' is used when the pretense is about something that's hard to verify, like a headache or fatigue.

Her frequent complaints of fatigue made her boss wonder if she was malingering.

Pro Tip 3/3

Not Always Illness

While commonly about fake illness, 'malinger' can also relate to feigning other conditions to avoid duties.

He seemed to malinger with exaggerated technical issues to skip the meeting.