# Frankenstein

/ˈfɹæŋkənˌstaɪn/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/frankenstein
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

something that is made by putting many different, often mismatched parts together. It usually describes a person or thing that becomes dangerous or impossible to control.

For teachers: a creation that eventually causes the ruin of its creator; an entity composed of disparate or mismatched parts. Often used metaphorically to describe a project or team that has grown beyond its intended scope.

## Examples

- The old car was a frankenstein of parts from three different models.
- The manager built a frankenstein of a team by hiring stars from rival clubs who refused to play together.
- Critics argued that the new legislation was a legal frankenstein, stitched together from conflicting amendments that satisfied no one and created endless confusion in the courts.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He was a frankenstein monster." but "He was a Frankenstein's monster." — In strict literary terms, Frankenstein is the creator, not the creature, though the name is commonly used for the creation in informal speech.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a metaphor for a creation that turns against its creator. When referring to the literary character or the creator, it is capitalised as 'Frankenstein'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.