sinecure

[sahy-ni-kyoor, sin-i-]

noun

1. an office or position requiring little or no work, especially one yielding profitable returns.

2. an ecclesiastical benefice without cure of souls.

sinecure

/ ˈsaɪnɪˌkjʊə /

noun

1. a paid office or post involving minimal duties

2. a Church benefice to which no spiritual or pastoral charge is attached

Other Word Forms

• sinecurism noun
• sinecurist noun
• sinecureship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sinecure¹

First recorded in 1655–65; from Medieval Latin (beneficium) sine cūrā “(benefice) without care (of parishioners).” See cure

Word History and Origins

Origin of sinecure¹

C17: from Medieval Latin phrase ( beneficium ) sine cūrā (benefice) without cure (of souls), from Latin sine without + cūra cure, care

Example Sentences

Beyond that, there’s the revolving door: Former politicians and officials who supported the interests of the wealthy find comfortable sinecures at billionaire-supported lobbying firms, think tanks and media organizations.

Read more on Seattle Times

But instead of receiving some cushy sinecure for his sacrifice, he finds himself exiled to Tulsa, Okla. to “plant a flag.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The claims turned him into a scientific “unperson,” in his words, and lost him sinecures at business and scientific institutions.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

And had Sasse wanted a think tank sinecure or some corporate board seats, no one would have protested.

Read more on Washington Post

When Mr. Mura tried to veer Mr. Lai back to talk of working in the open air, he instead extolled the benefits of procuring a permanent sinecure in town hall.

Read more on New York Times

Related Words

• pushover