Pyrrhic victory

Definition

A very costly victory, wherein the considerable losses outweigh the gain, so as to render the struggle not worth the cost.

Etymology

After Greek king Pyrrhus of Epirus, who suffered heavy losses while defeating the Romans.

Example Sentences

• "Tough pensions regulation designed to protect employees in final-salary occupational schemes will prove a pyrrhic victory for unions and the government, a report warned yesterday."
• "We now know that it [the Six-Day War] was a Pyrrhic victory."