Pyrrhic
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See also: pyrrhic
English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
From Pyrrhus (318-272 BC), a king of Epirus whose forces sustained heavy losses in defeating the Romans.
Pronunciation[edit]
Adjective[edit]
Pyrrhic (comparative more Pyrrhic, superlative most Pyrrhic)
- (not comparable) Of or relating to Pyrrhus (319/318–272 BC), Greek general and statesman.
- The Pyrrhic army lost the Pyrrhic war.
- Achieved at too great a cost or detriment to have been worthwhile (as a victory, accomplishment, etc).
- 1993, Steven Berglas, Roy F. Baumeister, Your Own Worst Enemy: Understanding the Paradox, page 166:
- Although this syndrome is thought to resemble patterns of Pyrrhic revenge […]
- 2010, Nassim Nicholas Taleb, The Black Swan, page 19:
- I feared a Pyrrhic victory: I had been vindicated intellectually, but I was afraid of being too right and seeing the system crumble under my feet.
Alternative forms[edit]
- (achieved at too great a cost): pyrrhic
Related terms[edit]
Translations[edit]
of or relating to Pyrrhus (319/318–272 BC), Greek general and statesman