sinecure

American  

[sahy-ni-kyoor, sin-i-] / ˈsaɪ nɪˌkyʊər, ˈsɪn ɪ- /

noun

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

2. an ecclesiastical benefice without cure of souls.

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sinecure British  

/ ˈsaɪnɪˌkjʊə /

noun

1. a paid office or post involving minimal duties

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

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Other Word Forms

• sinecureship noun
• sinecurism noun
• sinecurist noun

Etymology

Origin of sinecure

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

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From 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.

From New York Times

Under the unwritten British constitution, George’s greatest powers were to choose the men who ran the government and to distribute royal patronage in the form of titles and lucrative sinecures.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• pushover