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Malingering: meaning, definitions and examples

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malingering

 

[ məˈlɪŋɡərɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

health, behavior

Malingering is the act of deliberately pretending to be ill or injured in order to avoid work or duty or to gain some form of compensation. This behavior is typically seen in situations where an individual seeks to benefit from their supposed condition without actually experiencing the symptoms they claim to have.

Synonyms

exaggerating, faking, feigning, pretending, shamming

Examples of usage

  • He was accused of malingering to avoid military service.
  • The doctor suspected that she was malingering when her symptoms did not match the medical tests.
  • Malingering can complicate treatment plans and delay recovery.
  • The insurance company investigated the claim suspecting malingering.
  • Some may resort to malingering to manipulate their circumstances.

Translations

Translations of the word "malingering" in other languages:

🇵🇹 simulação

🇮🇳 बीमार होना

🇩🇪 Simulieren

🇮🇩 berpura-pura sakit

🇺🇦 симулювання

🇵🇱 symulowanie

🇯🇵 病気のふりをする

🇫🇷 simuler

🇪🇸 simulación

🇹🇷 hasta numarası yapmak

🇰🇷 병을 가장하다

🇸🇦 التظاهر بالمرض

🇨🇿 simulace

🇸🇰 simulácia

🇨🇳 装病

🇸🇮 simulacija

🇮🇸 simulering

🇰🇿 жалған ауру

🇬🇪 თიმის მოწმე

🇦🇿 xəstəlikdən qaçma

🇲🇽 simulación

Etymology

The term 'malingering' originates from the French word 'malingre', which means 'sickly' or 'ill', and can be traced back to the late 19th century. The word was first used in the context of military service, where it described soldiers who feigned illness to escape the rigors of combat and duty. Over time, the term expanded beyond the military to describe any situation where an individual pretends to be ill for personal gain. The act of malingering has often been viewed with skepticism, especially when it presents itself in medical or work environments, leading to both ethical and legal implications. The increasing awareness of mental health over the last few decades has also influenced the discussions surrounding malingering, prompting the need for careful assessment and differentiation from genuine conditions.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,601, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.