Sinecure

Intermediate 💼 Corporate / Business

Definition

A position of employment that requires little or no work but provides an income; a cushy job that pays well for minimal effort or responsibility. It can also refer to a church benefice that carries no pastoral duties.

Example Usage

Critics argued that the executive's role was a sinecure—she attended board meetings but made no real decisions.

Origin

From Medieval Latin 'beneficium sine cura' (benefice without care/responsibility), literally describing a church position that paid a salary without requiring pastoral work.

Fun Fact

The term originated in the context of the Catholic Church, where wealthy positions could be gifted to clergy members without actual parish responsibilities.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

Related Terms