Pyrrhic victory

/ˌpɪrɪk ˈvɪktɚi/
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A win whose heavy cost makes the success barely worthwhile.

Examples

  • The army took the city, but its losses made the battle a Pyrrhic victory.
  • Was the narrow election win a Pyrrhic victory for the party?
  • The lawsuit was a Pyrrhic victory: legal fees swallowed the damages.
  • Winning the contract became a Pyrrhic victory when the company lost its best staff.
  • She called the promotion a Pyrrhic victory after months of burnout.

Similar words

empty victory
costly victory
hollow victory

Meanings

Costly success

conflict
formal
A victory that brings such severe losses that winning may not have been worth it.

Examples

  • The lawsuit was a Pyrrhic victory: legal fees swallowed the damages.
  • Winning the contract became a Pyrrhic victory when the company lost its best staff.
  • Was the narrow election win a Pyrrhic victory for the party?
  • The army took the city, but its losses made the battle a Pyrrhic victory.
  • She called the promotion a Pyrrhic victory after months of burnout.

Similar words

Etymology

Named for Pyrrhus of Epirus, whose victories over Rome in the third century BCE came at heavy cost.

FAQ

What does Pyrrhic victory mean?

A Pyrrhic victory is a win whose losses are so great that the result may not be worth having.

When is Pyrrhic victory used?

It is used when a legal, political, military, or personal win comes at a severe cost.

How does Pyrrhic victory differ from costly victory?

A costly victory may still be worthwhile. A Pyrrhic victory suggests the cost nearly cancels the gain.

How is Pyrrhic victory used in a sentence?

The lawsuit was a Pyrrhic victory because the legal fees exceeded the award.

Is Pyrrhic victory formal?

It is a fairly formal expression, especially common in analysis and news writing.

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