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Definition of «boondoggle»

A boondoggle is a project or activity that is considered to be wasteful, pointless or a mere formality. It is often used to describe a project that consumes resources without producing any useful results. The term originated in the United States during the 1920s and is believed to have been coined by the American military as a term for a type of decorative knot that was difficult to untie, representing a project that was difficult to cancel once it had begun.

Usage examples

  1. The government's multi-billion dollar infrastructure project turned out to be a boondoggle, with incomplete roads and bridges falling apart within months.
  2. The company wasted millions of dollars on a boondoggle team-building retreat that achieved nothing in terms of increased productivity or employee morale.
  3. The extravagant stadium construction for the Olympic Games was hailed by critics as a boondoggle, as it left the host city with massive debt and unused facilities.
  4. The CEO's decision to invest in a risky startup turned into a boondoggle when the company went bankrupt within a year, resulting in considerable financial losses for the shareholders.
  5. The mayor's plan to revitalize the downtown area turned into a boondoggle as it faced multiple delays, cost overruns, and failed to attract the promised businesses and visitors.

Phrases with «boondoggle»

Sentences with «boondoggle»

  • We have to take care of them, but it has to come from the heart, not grudgingly given in excess due to a government boondoggle of lies. (religion.blogs.cnn.com)
  • President Obama's $ 3 billion pledge to support the United Nations» Green Climate Fund (GCF) is only the beginning of what promises to be one of the most expensive boondoggles in history. (dailycaller.com)
  • Governor Andrew Cuomo's executive order earlier this month to impose an external monitor on the crisis - plagued New York City Housing Authority has turned into a potential budget boondoggle for the city, with Mayor Bill de Blasio warning on Thursday of the «unforeseen consequences» the order could have on the city's fiscal future. (gothamgazette.com)
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See also

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