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Malinger: meaning, definitions and examples

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malinger

 

[ məˈlɪŋɡər ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

avoid work

To malinger means to pretend to be sick or incapacitated in order to avoid working or fulfilling an obligation. This deceptive behavior often occurs in the workplace where an employee feigns illness to escape duties.

Synonyms

fake, feign, shirk

Examples of usage

  • He decided to malinger to get a day off work.
  • She often malingers during busy weeks to avoid extra shifts.
  • The student was caught trying to malinger to get out of an exam.

Translations

Translations of the word "malinger" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fingir doença

🇮🇳 बीमार बनना

🇩🇪 sich krank melden

🇮🇩 berpura-pura sakit

🇺🇦 прикидатися хворим

🇵🇱 udawać chorobę

🇯🇵 病気のふりをする

🇫🇷 feindre la maladie

🇪🇸 simular estar enfermo

🇹🇷 hasta numarası yapmak

🇰🇷 병에 걸린 척하다

🇸🇦 التظاهر بالمرض

🇨🇿 předstírat nemoc

🇸🇰 predstierať chorobu

🇨🇳 假装生病

🇸🇮 pretvarjati se, da si bolan

🇮🇸 fingra veikindi

🇰🇿 аурумын деп жалғану

🇬🇪 ავადმყოფობის ყალბად გაკეთება

🇦🇿 xəstəymiş kimi davranmaq

🇲🇽 simular estar enfermo

Word origin

The word 'malinger' is believed to have originated in the early 19th century. Its exact roots are somewhat obscure, but it is thought to be derived from the French word 'malingre,' which means 'sickly' or 'weak.' This word itself may have originated from the Latin term 'maledictus,' meaning 'cursed' or 'ill-favored.' 'Malinger' initially referred to a person who was sickly or in poor health, but over time, it evolved to specifically describe someone who pretends to be ill to avoid duty. This usage reflects a growing concern with work ethic in the 19th century, as the industrial revolution placed greater emphasis on productivity and attendance in the workplace.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,264, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.