Malingerer
hardNegative tonemuh-LING-gur-ur
noun
Definition
one who feigns illness to avoid work or duty
Memory hook
MALINGERER: 'MAL' (bad) + 'LINGER' — a faker who LINGERS in bed groaning 'I'm sooo sick' the moment work appears, then sprints off when it's gone.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The sergeant had no patience for a malingerer who limped only when chores were assigned.”
“Suspecting a malingerer, the doctor found no real cause for the soldier's sudden complaints.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The sergeant had no patience for a ______ who limped only when chores were assigned.”
Show answer
malingerer
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Malingerer is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "shirker" or "slacker" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "worker".
Related GRE Words
dupe
to deceive or trick someone
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
artifice
Clever or cunning devices or expedients, especially to deceive; trickery
artless
free of guile or pretense; naturally simple and sincere
capricious
Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior
chicanery
The use of trickery to achieve a political, financial, or legal purpose
Master malingerer and 1,000+ GRE words
Learn through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.