sinecurism

A man holds a sinecurism position with no real duties.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The practice of holding a sinecure: "sinecurism" refers to the system or practice of occupying a position that requires little or no work but provides a salary or other benefits.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The government's sinecurism led to widespread inefficiency and public outrage. (The practice of giving jobs with no real duties.)
  • He was a critic of sinecurism, arguing that it drained resources from productive sectors. (He opposed the system of paying people without requiring work.)

Advanced Usage

• "sinecurism in academia": the practice of granting professorships or research positions with minimal teaching or output requirements.
  • The university's sinecurism was exposed when several senior staff were found to have no published work for years. (The practice of paying academics without expecting results.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sinecure (n): a position requiring little or no work but providing a salary.

  • The old title of "Master of the Royal Buckhounds" was a sinecure. (A job with no real duties.)

• Sinecurist (n): a person who holds a sinecure.

  • The sinecurist enjoyed his salary without contributing to the company. (A person in a paid position with no work.)

Synonyms

• Featherbedding: the practice of employing more workers than necessary.
• Bureaucratic bloat: excessive staffing in an organization.

Related Idioms

• To draw a salary without lifting a finger: to be paid without doing any work.

  • He was accused of drawing a salary without lifting a finger, a classic case of sinecurism. (Being paid for no effort.)

• A cushy number: an easy, well-paid job.

  • That government post is a cushy number, a perfect example of sinecurism. (A job with little work but good pay.)