Boondoggle (noun)

A wasteful or impractical project or activity that is often done for political gain.

Origin:

From boondoggle (a braided cord used for making key fobs, belts, and other crafts) + -le.

Examples:

1. The new highway was criticized as a boondoggle that would serve only a tiny fraction of drivers.
2. The project was a boondoggle that wasted millions of dollars and accomplished nothing.
3. Many people believe that the construction of the new stadium was a boondoggle.
4. The boondoggle was a complete failure and wasted a lot of taxpayers' money.
5. The politicians were accused of using the boondoggle as a way to line their own pockets.