boondoggle

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"This boondoggle is a solution in search of a problem while endangering the biological heart of a national wildlife refuge," said Evan Hirsche, president of the National Wildlife Refuge Association.

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Definitions (8)

Toggle American Heritage definitions American Heritage Dictionary (4)

  1. noun An unnecessary or wasteful project or activity.
  2. noun A braided leather cord worn as a decoration especially by Boy Scouts.
  3. noun A cord of braided leather, fabric, or plastic strips made by a child as a project to keep busy.
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Examples (42)

  • But in the real world, I view actual space exploration as a boondoggle, a phenomenal misuse of resources, and a general waste of money. —  Asimov'sSF,August2006
  • But what some consider innovation, others might call a boondoggle -- especially given the prohibitive costs of papering a patent.
  • Besides the fact that it would likely be a financial boondoggle, there's also the blatant disregard for individual rights. —  Kevin D. Rollins
  • (The other two were the Human Resources Development Canada boondoggle, known as the billion-dollar boondoggle, and the Sponsorship Program). —  Winnipeg Sun
  • The word "boondoggle," which originally referred to leather handicrafts produced by Boy Scouts, gained currency in the WPA era. —  ModerateVoters.org
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This word has been looked up 179 times.

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Etymologies (1)

Toggle American Heritage etymologies American Heritage Dictionary (1)

  1. Coined by Robert H. Link (died 1957), American scoutmaster.
 

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