basket-case

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.

But Welch’s legacy took a hit following his retirement as GE went from America’s most-valuable company to a basket case, eventually splitting in three under an outsider’s management.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

"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

All that’s on hold until I can ease the pain and not be a self-pitying basket case.

From Slate • Mar. 13, 2024

For more than a century, Haiti has been labeled a disaster, a basket case, a place so destitute, indebted, lacking and lawless that it needs constant saving.

From New York Times • May 20, 2022

“We’ve got over forty-five minutes, darling. Hold your horses. You’re going to turn me into a basket case if you don’t relax. Let’s go pray at the shrine.”

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy