: to pretend or exaggerate incapacity or illness (as to avoid duty or work) His boss suspected him of malingering because of his frequent absences from work.

What is considered malingering?

Malingering is falsification or profound exaggeration of illness (physical or mental) to gain external benefits such as avoiding work or responsibility, seeking drugs, avoiding trial (law), seeking attention, avoiding military services, leave from school, paid leave from a job, among others.

Is malingering a mental illness?

Malingering is deliberate behavior for a known external purpose. It is not considered a form of mental illness or psychopathology, although it can occur in the context of other mental illnesses.