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CEFR C2 — Proficiency

Pyrrhic

Definition

(literary, formal) Relating to or resembling a victory that is won at great cost or with heavy losses, so that it is not truly a success. Originating from the name of King Pyrrhus of Epirus, who won a battle against the Romans but at such a great cost that he was unable to continue fighting.

Example Sentences

1The company's pyrrhic victory in the lawsuit left it financially drained and vulnerable to takeover.
2The historian argued that the Roman Empire's expansion into Britain was a pyrrhic victory, as it drained resources without providing significant economic benefits.
3The artist's struggle for recognition was a pyrrhic one, as she sacrificed her personal life and relationships in the pursuit of fame.
4The politician's re-election was seen as a pyrrhic victory, as it came at the cost of alienating key allies and damaging her reputation.
5The concept of a pyrrhic victory has been used to describe the outcome of wars throughout history, where the cost of winning outweighs any potential benefits.

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