Boondoggle: meaning, definitions and examples

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boondoggle

 

[ ˈbuːnˌdɒɡəl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

project, waste

A boondoggle is a project or activity that is considered to be a waste of time and money, yet is often supported or funded by government or organizations. It typically lacks any significant relevance or productive value, serving instead as a superficial or unnecessary endeavor. The term arises from the notion of spending resources on something that yields little to no benefit, often associated with bureaucracy. Boondoggles can take many forms, such as extravagant events or unnecessary construction projects.

Synonyms

bustle, futile endeavor, wasteful project.

Examples of usage

  • The new bridge was deemed a boondoggle by many citizens.
  • Despite its cost, the committee labeled the initiative a boondoggle.
  • The festival was criticized as a boondoggle for wasting tax dollars.

Translations

Translations of the word "boondoggle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 projeto inútil

🇮🇳 व्यर्थ का काम

🇩🇪 Scheinprojekt

🇮🇩 proyek sia-sia

🇺🇦 марнування часу

🇵🇱 bezużyteczny projekt

🇯🇵 無駄なプロジェクト

🇫🇷 projet inutile

🇪🇸 proyecto inútil

🇹🇷 gereksiz proje

🇰🇷 헛된 프로젝트

🇸🇦 مشروع عديم الفائدة

🇨🇿 zbytečný projekt

🇸🇰 zbytočný projekt

🇨🇳 无用的项目

🇸🇮 neuporaben projekt

🇮🇸 óþarfa verkefni

🇰🇿 пайдасыз жоба

🇬🇪 უდაბნო პროექტი

🇦🇿 işə yaramaz layihə

🇲🇽 proyecto inútil

Etymology

The term 'boondoggle' reportedly originated in the 1930s, derived from a word used by Boy Scouts for a braided leather cord or decorative lanyard. It gained popularity during the Great Depression when it was used to describe projects that were funded by the government but did not provide meaningful work or value. The word combines various cultural influences and reflects a sentiment of disdain towards government spending on seemingly trivial or unnecessary projects. Over the years, it has come to represent not only wastefulness in government projects but also any similar misuse of resources in various contexts, maintaining its relevance in discussions about efficiency and accountability.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,739, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.