white elephant

The definition of a white elephant is a possession that is very expensive to maintain, or an article that is no longer wanted by the owner.

(noun)

A family home that you feel you have to keep but that is very expensive to maintain is an example of a white elephant.

See white elephant in Webster's New World College Dictionary

an albino elephant
something from which little profit or use is derived; esp., such a possession maintained at much expense
☆ any object no longer desired by its owner, but of possible value to others

See white elephant in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. A rare, expensive possession that is a financial burden to maintain.
b. Something of dubious or limited value.
An article, ornament, or household utensil no longer wanted by its owner.
An endeavor or venture that proves to be a conspicuous failure.
A rare whitish or light-gray form of the Asian elephant, often regarded with special veneration in regions of southeast Asia and India.

Learn more about white elephant

white elephant synonyms

white elephant business definition

white elephant Culture

white elephant phrase meanings

white elephant in a sentence

link/cite print suggestion box