boondoggle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, often critical or humorous
Quick answer
What does “boondoggle” mean?
A wasteful or pointless project or activity, often one funded by the government.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A wasteful or pointless project or activity, often one funded by the government.
Can refer to any trivial, time-wasting task or a decorative braided cord made by scouts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated in American English and remains more common there. In British English, it is understood but less frequently used.
Connotations
In both varieties, it implies criticism of inefficiency and waste. The American usage is more firmly established in political and journalistic discourse.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English, particularly in political commentary and journalism.
Grammar
How to Use “boondoggle” in a Sentence
The [PROJECT] is a boondoggle.They accused the administration of boondoggling.The funds were wasted on a boondoggle.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “boondoggle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council has been boondoggling for years with that pointless regeneration plan.
- Stop boondoggling and get some real work done.
American English
- Critics say the agency is just boondoggling with taxpayer dollars.
- The committee boondoggled for months before scrapping the initiative.
adverb
British English
- The money was spent boondogglingly on unnecessary consultants.
American English
- The funds were used boondogglingly, with little oversight.
adjective
British English
- The boondoggle scheme was finally cancelled.
- It was another boondoggle project from the transport ministry.
American English
- The senator denounced the boondoggle spending bill.
- We're tired of these boondoggle policies.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used critically to describe projects that consume resources without delivering value.
Academic
Rare in formal writing; may appear in political science or economics discussing government waste.
Everyday
Used humorously or critically for any pointless, time-consuming task.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “boondoggle”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “boondoggle”
- Using it to mean a simple mistake or error. Confusing it with 'bundle' or 'dawdle'. Using it in formal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily informal and carries a critical or humorous tone. It is not suitable for formal academic or technical reports.
Yes, though less common than the noun. 'To boondoggle' means to engage in wasteful or pointless activities, often involving public funds.
Its exact origin is uncertain, but it first gained prominence in the 1930s in the US, referring to make-work projects during the Great Depression. An earlier use referred to a braided leather cord made by scouts.
They are similar. A 'boondoggle' emphasizes the wasteful process and pointlessness. A 'white elephant' is something expensive and useless that is difficult to dispose of, emphasizing the ongoing burden.
A wasteful or pointless project or activity, often one funded by the government.
Boondoggle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbuːnˌdɒɡ.əl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbuːnˌdɑː.ɡəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A classic boondoggle”
- “Boondoggle of the highest order”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a dog (DOGgle) chasing its tail in a BOONdocks field – a pointless activity in the middle of nowhere, wasting time and energy.
Conceptual Metaphor
WASTE IS A TANGLED CORD (from its scouting origin). PUBLIC MONEY IS FUEL FOR FOOLISH PROJECTS.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'boondoggle' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?