pyrrhic

Of or characterized by pyrrhics (metrical feet with two short syllables).

Relating to Pyrrhus, a Macedonian king, or some of his costly victories he had while fighting Rome.

Alternative letter-case form of Pyrrhic (“achieved at too great a cost”).

Huwawa is slain; the victors triumph, but the victory is to be a pyrrhic one for Gilgamesh, for the gods have met in counsel and decreed that Enkidu should die.

In the ministry, it is important to avoid pyrrhic victories. What really is a pyrrhic victory? A pyrrhic victory is a victory that comes with such devastating cost that ultimately nullifies the victory that has been achieved.

An Ancient Greek war dance.

A metric foot with two short or unaccented syllables.

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).

Although this syndrome is thought to resemble patterns of Pyrrhic revenge […]

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.