white elephant

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"This was meant to be essential works to keep a cherished, historic building safe and functioning. It has turned into a basket case white elephant project."

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

At the end of his storyline, there’s a disorienting creative decision that nearly addresses the white elephant in the room: the question of who belongs in this community.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2025

But the IOC is sensitive about spiraling costs and potential white elephant projects, so is encouraging local organizers to use venues in other countries.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 29, 2024

This deed came about in the 1990s when Mr Trump said Mar-a-Lago was too expensive to be preserved as a private residence, calling it a "white elephant" that was "almost impossible to sell".

From BBC • Dec. 10, 2023

On the page, red diamond-covered trailers passed by first, and each one advertised its contents: roaring lions and tigers, charging rhinos and furious hippos, and a majestic white elephant at the very end.

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton