pyrrhic
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈpɪrɪk/
KK: /ˈpɪrɪk/
adjective
Definition
Describing a victory that comes at such a great cost to the victor that it is almost tantamount to defeat.
Example
The general's pyrrhic victory left his army weakened and demoralized.
Conversation
Did you hear about the team's victory last night?
Yeah, but it felt like a pyrrhic win to me.
Exactly! They lost so many players to injuries.
Right? It seems like the cost outweighed the benefits.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
costly
expensive
wasteful
Antonyms
beneficial
advantageous
profitable
noun
Definition
A type of metrical foot in poetry that consists of two unstressed or unaccented syllables.
Example
The poem uses a pyrrhic to create a soft and gentle rhythm.
Conversation
I was reading about different types of poetic meters and came across the term pyrrhic.
Oh, I've heard that one before! It's not very common, right?
Yeah, it refers to a foot with two unaccented syllables, which is interesting.
Root Explanation
Pyrrhic → It originates from the Greek word 'pyrrhichios' (meaning of or pertaining to Pyrrhic dance), which is derived from 'Pyrrhus', a king of Epirus known for his costly victories. The term 'pyrrhic' refers to a victory that comes at such a significant cost to the victor that it is almost tantamount to defeat.
Memory Tip
Think of a victory that is so costly that it feels like a loss — that's what 'pyrrhic' means, relating to King Pyrrhus's battles.
Visually Confused Words
pyorrheic
myrrhic
pyrouric