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The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives

Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.

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Pyrrhic

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How to pronounce pyrrhic (audio)

Dictionary definition of pyrrhic

Coming at a high cost or entailing substantial losses, to the point where the gains achieved are nearly outweighed by the negative consequences.
"The athlete's Pyrrhic pursuit of perfection led to burnout and injury."

Detailed meaning of pyrrhic

This term originates from the historical context of King Pyrrhus of Epirus, whose victories in battle against the Romans were so costly in terms of casualties and resources that they ultimately weakened his own forces significantly. A Pyrrhic victory implies that while the immediate goal has been achieved, the toll extracted in terms of human lives, resources, or overall stability is so significant that it questions the true value of the triumph. The adjective 'Pyrrhic' is often employed to describe situations where the apparent success masks underlying setbacks or compromises that might negate the perceived benefits, leaving those involved with mixed feelings about the outcome.

Example sentences containing pyrrhic

1. The Pyrrhic victory left the army decimated and demoralized.
2. Their aggressive expansion was a Pyrrhic strategy, depleting resources.
3. Winning the legal battle proved Pyrrhic due to mounting legal fees.
4. The Pyrrhic success of the project strained team relationships.
5. His Pyrrhic pursuit of perfection led to exhaustion and burnout.
6. The Pyrrhic compromise satisfied no one and fractured alliances.

History and etymology of pyrrhic

The adjective 'Pyrrhic' is derived from the name of the ancient Greek military commander Pyrrhus of Epirus, who lived in the 3rd century BCE. Pyrrhus is renowned for his victories against the Romans, particularly during the Pyrrhic Wars, but at a tremendous cost to his own forces. The term 'Pyrrhic' became associated with such costly victories, where the gains achieved were nearly outweighed by the substantial losses and sacrifices incurred. In essence, a Pyrrhic victory implies that the price paid for success was so high that it could be seen as a defeat in itself. The term has since evolved to describe any endeavor or outcome that comes at a high cost or entails significant negative consequences, where the benefits obtained are almost negated by the accompanying drawbacks.

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Further usage examples of pyrrhic

1. The Pyrrhic election campaign drained the candidate's finances.
2. The company's rapid growth was Pyrrhic, leading to overextension.
3. The Pyrrhic quest for revenge consumed his life and happiness.
4. The Pyrrhic celebration turned somber as losses were tallied.
5. The company's decision to slash prices led to a Pyrrhic victory as they lost money in the long run.
6. The team's Pyrrhic win in the championship game was marred by the injuries suffered by several players.
7. The politician's Pyrrhic victory in passing the controversial bill cost him the support of many of his constituents.
8. The student's Pyrrhic success in cheating on the exam was short-lived as they were caught and expelled.
9. The organization's Pyrrhic efforts to cut costs resulted in decreased quality and employee morale.
10. The country's Pyrrhic victory in the war resulted in widespread devastation and loss of life.
11. The Pyrrhic nature of the project became apparent when it went over budget and missed its deadline.
12. The CEO's Pyrrhic pursuit of profit at all costs led to ethical violations and a damaged reputation.
13. The artist's Pyrrhic quest for perfectionism led to missed deadlines and a loss of creative inspiration.
14. The scientist's Pyrrhic dedication to their research resulted in neglect of their personal life and relationships.
15. The family's Pyrrhic struggle to maintain appearances led to financial ruin and emotional strain.

Compensation and Rewards, Conflict and Confrontation, Demanding and Challenging, Success and Achievement

futile,hollow,unavailing

costly,counterproductive,disastrous,fruitless,ineffectual,ruinous,unprofitable

costly, beneficial, profitable, rewarding

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