sinecure
/ˈsaɪ.nɪ.kjʊə/
Group 31Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (noun)
- A position requiring little or no work but giving the holder status or financial benefit GRE
Example in Context
The ambassadorship, widely regarded as a sinecure reserved for political allies, suddenly required genuine diplomatic skill when the crisis erupted.
Synonyms
easy jobcushy rolesoft gig
Etymology
Literally means 'without care,' referring to a position that requires little effort.
- sine (Latin) — without
- cura (Latin) — care
Memory Aid
💼Sounds like “sin-a-cure”
Imagine a boss saying, 'This job is a SIN — you show up, but there’s NO CURE for laziness!'
Visual Association
👑A king lounging on a throne, barely lifting a finger while his subjects do all the work.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “sinecure” mean on the GRE?
sinecure (noun) means “A position requiring little or no work but giving the holder status or financial benefit”. The ambassadorship, widely regarded as a sinecure reserved for political allies, suddenly required genuine diplomatic skill when the crisis erupted.
How to remember “sinecure” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “sinecure” sounds like “sin-a-cure”. Imagine a boss saying, 'This job is a SIN — you show up, but there’s NO CURE for laziness!'
What are synonyms for “sinecure”?
Common synonyms: easy job, cushy role, soft gig.