zombie institution

The term "zombie institution" is inspired by the idea of zombies—entities that continue to exist without real purpose or vitality, often sustained by external means.

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Definition

C1Economics

(technical)An organization that operates despite being financially insolvent, often sustained by external support.

Example

  • Many banks became zombie institutions during the financial crisis, surviving only through government bailouts.

C1Business

(technical)A company that remains in operation but is ineffective or unproductive, usually maintained through artificial means like subsidies.

Example

  • The factory turned into a zombie institution, producing little but kept afloat by state subsidies.

B2General

(figurative)An entity or practice that has lost its original purpose or relevance but continues to exist.

Example

  • The committee had become a zombie institution, meeting regularly but achieving nothing meaningful.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "zombie institution":

zombie organizationzombie programzombie carliving deadzombie dance