ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: Middle English sinke holl, from sinke sink + holl hole
1.
a. : a hollow place or depression where drainage or waste collects or is deposited : cesspool
b. : the outlet or drain of a sink
2. : a place or center for the gathering, accumulation, or concentration of undesirable or evil things
during the thirties it was a sinkhole of depression and unemployment — J.V.Kelleher
surroundings he considered the sinkhole of culture — Harry Hansen
a wild and pagan sinkhole — Harrison Smith
that infamous sinkhole of fever and death — Dial
3. : sink 5
4. : an unprofitable enterprise in which money is repeatedly sunk