Pyrrhic

From Pyrrhus (318-272 BC), a king of Epirus whose forces sustained heavy losses in defeating the Romans.

• IPA^(key): /ˈpɪɹɪk/

• Audio (UK)

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• Rhymes: -ɪɹɪk

Pyrrhic (comparative more Pyrrhic, superlative most Pyrrhic)

1. (not comparable) Of or relating to Pyrrhus (319/318–272 BC), Greek general and statesman.

   The Pyrrhic army lost the Pyrrhic war.

2. 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.

• (achieved at too great a cost): pyrrhic

• Pyrrhic victory