# faker

/ˈfeɪkɝ/ (US) · /fˈeɪkɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/faker
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

a person who pretends to be sick or hurt to avoid doing something they do not want to do. This word is mostly used in the past to describe soldiers who faked injuries to stay out of battle.

For teachers: a person who feigns illness or injury to avoid a duty or obligation. Historically associated with military contexts, particularly the practice of 'feigning wounds' to evade combat.

## Examples

- The officer suspected the soldier was a faker.
- During the long march, several men were caught as fakers who had pretended to be too weak to continue.
- The regiment's surgeon was tasked with identifying the faker among the wounded, as the commander feared that deserters were returning to the camp under the guise of medical incapacity.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.