pyrrhic

noun

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pyr·rhic | \ ˈpir-ik

Definition of pyrrhic

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a metrical foot consisting of two short or unaccented syllables

Pyrrhic

adjective

Pyr·rhic | \ ˈpir-ik

Definition of Pyrrhic (Entry 2 of 2)

: achieved at excessive cost a Pyrrhic victory also : costly to the point of negating or outweighing expected benefits a great but Pyrrhic act of ingenuity

Example Sentences Phrases Containing pyrrhic Learn More About pyrrhic

Examples of pyrrhic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun These are principles that must apply around the world, for basic fairness and because solving the climate crisis in just the U.S. would be the most pyrrhic of victories. — The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2022

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pyrrhic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.