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
Commercial flights have previously been hampered by wind conditions and the facility was labelled a "white elephant" by the Public Accounts Committee.
From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026
Not even the banks know what to do with this gargantuan white elephant.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 9, 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
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
