diff --git a/pkgs/development/python-modules/psutil/default.nix b/pkgs/development/python-modules/psutil/default.nix
index ee3f390b79af3..ee79e250e1d72 100644
--- a/pkgs/development/python-modules/psutil/default.nix
+++ b/pkgs/development/python-modules/psutil/default.nix
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ buildPythonPackage rec {
   # - the other disabled tests are likely due to sanboxing (missing specific errors)
   pytestFlagsArray = [
     # Note: $out must be referenced as test import paths are relative
-    "$out/${python.sitePackages}/psutil/tests/test_system.py"
+    "${placeholder "out"}/${python.sitePackages}/psutil/tests/test_system.py"
   ];
 
   disabledTests = [