sinecuris

A sinecure is a position or office that requires little or no duties but provides a salary or other benefits. The term originates from the Latin phrase "sine cura," meaning "without care." Historically, sinecures were common in religious institutions, where individuals could hold benefices with little pastoral responsibility.

In modern contexts, sinecures can appear in various sectors, including government, business, and academia. They are often criticized as being wasteful or unfair, as they represent compensation for work that is not performed. However, some argue that certain positions may appear to be sinecures from the outside but actually involve essential, albeit non-obvious, responsibilities, such as maintaining historical records or serving as a symbolic figurehead.

The perception of a position as a sinecure often depends on the observer's understanding of its actual functions. While some sinecures are created purely for patronage or to reward loyal individuals, others may arise from the evolution of organizational structures or the merging of responsibilities, leaving a residual position with minimal workload. Efforts to eliminate or reform sinecures are often part of broader anti-corruption or efficiency drives.