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
Not even the banks know what to do with this gargantuan white elephant.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 9, 2025
During a debate in the House of Lords, Conservative peer Lord Forsyth called the project a "complete white elephant and a disaster".
From BBC • Jun. 12, 2025
Aiming to avoid construction costs and potential white elephant venues, the IOC wanted Italy to use an existing track — with two nearby options in St. Moritz, Switzerland and Igls, Austria.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 23, 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
