What does sinecure mean?
A sinecure is a paid position that requires little or no meaningful work. It may provide a salary, benefits, professional status, or political influence, but its practical duties are minimal or largely ceremonial. The word is especially common in discussions of government, institutions, and political appointments, where it often implies that the position exists for the benefit of its holder rather than to perform a useful public function. It can also describe any comfortably paid role that involves very little effort. The expression carries a generally negative, sometimes humorous tone: calling something a sinecure suggests that it is unproductive, undeserved, or merely a reward. Historically, the term came from Latin and referred to a benefice that could be enjoyed without the spiritual care or active responsibilities normally attached to it. Today, its critical force makes it especially useful when questioning the value or purpose of an official role.
nounA position or office that provides income, status, or other benefits while requiring little or no real work. The term often carries a critical implication that the position is unnecessary or was created to reward someone.
- An office or position that offers income or advantages while involving little or no genuine work, especially a public or political appointment.
"The appointment to the ceremonial post was widely regarded as a political sinecure."
"He accepted the ambassadorship, which had become little more than a comfortable sinecure."
"The reform was introduced to eliminate costly sinecures in the state administration."
The plural is formed by adding -s to the singular form.
"The committee was created largely to provide political sinecures."
A sinecure is a job that pays for almost nothing you do—a position made comfortable by having little to do.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sinecure come from?
The word entered English from Latin sine cura, literally “without care,” in the sense of being free from the duties or supervision normally required of a church benefice. Its ecclesiastical sense developed before it was extended to other comfortable or unnecessary paid positions. The Latin components also underlie English words such as sine and curator, while the historical meaning explains the modern critical connotation of a post whose holder receives income without doing much work.
How sinecure is actually used
Usually critical or disapproving: it suggests that the position is unnecessary, unproductively occupied, or used as a reward. It can also refer broadly to a well-paid job with very light duties.
Easily confused with sinecure
A sinecure is an easy or undemanding paid position, whereas secure means safe, protected, or firmly established.