The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word MALINGERED
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More clues leading to the result MALINGERED
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "pretended to be sick" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case pretended to be sick = malingered.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does MALINGERED mean?
MALINGERED verb- To feign illness, injury, or incapacitation in order to avoid work, obligation, or perilous risk.
- To self-inflict real injury or infection (to inflict self-harm) in order to avoid work, obligation, or perilous risk.