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Added 9 October 2026

sinecure

/ˈsaɪ.nɪˌkjʊə/ noun

Latin root: sine Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about sinecure at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A position that requires little to no work, or easy work, but still gives an ample payment; a cushy job.
An ecclesiastical benefice without the care of souls.

adjective

Requiring no work for an ample reward.
Having the appearance of functionality without being of any actual use or purpose.

verb

To put or place in a sinecure.

Origin

From Ecclesiastical Latin sine cūrā (literally “without care”), ellipsis of beneficium sine cūrā (“benefice without cure [of souls, i.e. the office of a curate]”), formed from Medieval Latin sine (“without”) + cūrā (“care, charge, cure”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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