boondoggle Definition
- 1work or activity that is wasteful or pointless but gives the appearance of having value
- 2a decorative knot or braid, especially one made by a camper or a scout
Using boondoggle: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "boondoggle" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The project was a complete boondoggle, wasting millions of dollars.
Example
The company's team-building retreat turned out to be a boondoggle.
Example
The government's investment in the new technology was criticized as a boondoggle.
boondoggle Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with boondoggle
a woven cord or lanyard made from a series of square knots
Example
The scouts made boondoggle cords to use as keychains.
a project that is wasteful or unnecessary, often used to describe government projects
Example
The bridge to nowhere is a famous example of a boondoggle project.
a decorative bracelet made from a series of square knots
Example
She made a boondoggle bracelet for her friend's birthday.
Origins of boondoggle
originated in the US in the 1930s, from 'boondocks' (meaning remote and rural areas) and 'doggle' (meaning a gadget or trinket)
Summary: boondoggle in Brief
'Boondoggle' [ˈbuːn.dɒɡ.əl] refers to work or activity that is wasteful or pointless but appears to have value. It can also refer to a decorative knot or braid, especially one made by a camper or a scout. Examples include 'The project was a complete boondoggle, wasting millions of dollars.' and 'The company's team-building retreat turned out to be a boondoggle.' 'Boondoggle' extends into phrases like 'boondoggle cord,' and 'boondoggle project,' denoting unnecessary or wasteful projects.
