sinecure
UK: ˈsɪnɪkjʊə | US: ˈsaɪnɪkjʊr
n. a position requiring little or no work but giving the holder status or financial benefit
n. (historical) an ecclesiastical benefice without cure of souls
Derived from Latin sine ("without") + cura ("care"). Originally used in ecclesiastical contexts to describe a church position that provided income without pastoral responsibilities (i.e., no "care of souls"). The term later broadened to secular roles, emphasizing minimal effort for reward. The morphemes reflect the word’s literal meaning: sine (absence) + cure (duty), preserved in modern usage.
The retired official was given a sinecure as a reward for his long service.
Many criticized the appointment as a mere sinecure for political allies.
In the 18th century, sinecures were common in the British government.
He treated the honorary title as a sinecure, rarely attending meetings.
The reform aimed to abolish unnecessary sinecures in the bureaucracy.