illegitimate enterprise

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Noun

illegitimate enterprise - an illegal enterprise (such as extortion or fraud or drug peddling or prostitution) carried on for profit

fraudulent scheme, racket

endeavor, endeavour, enterprise - a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness); "he had doubts about the whole enterprise"

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References in periodicals archive ?

What we did not do, however, was to announce early on and repeatedly that all was lost, that nothing could be done, and that the whole thing was an illegitimate enterprise bound for failure.

Cynical media is not playing fair: "... When it comes to the exercise of American power in the world, particularly military power, there seems to be a suspicion among those in the media--indeed, a suspicion bordering on a presumption--of illegitimacy, incompetence, and ineffectiveness."

Although there can be legal MEWAs operating legitimately under federal law, Foster said illegitimate enterprises claiming they are MEWAs have been victimizing small businesses looking for health insurance.