diff --git a/test/rubygems/test_rubygems.rb b/test/rubygems/test_rubygems.rb
index fc2fb32f5a20..9aa6c20cf52f 100644
--- a/test/rubygems/test_rubygems.rb
+++ b/test/rubygems/test_rubygems.rb
@@ -7,6 +7,8 @@ def test_rubygems_normal_behaviour
   end
 
   def test_operating_system_other_exceptions
+    pend "does not apply to truffleruby" if RUBY_ENGINE == 'truffleruby'
+
     path = util_install_operating_system_rb <<-RUBY
       intentional synt'ax error
     RUBY