C1noun2K

Triumph

UK /["/ˈtraɪʌmf/"]/US /["/ˈtraɪʌmf/"]/

Definition

a great success, achievement or victory

In simple words: A great victory or success.

Examples

  • Winning the championship was a great triumph for the underdog team.
  • Her graduation with honors felt like a personal triumph after many struggles.
  • The treaty marked a political triumph that brought peace to the region.
  • They celebrated their triumph over adversity with a big party.
  • The parade was a triumph celebrating the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Usage notes

Used to describe a significant win or achievement, often in contexts like sports, competitions, or personal accomplishments. Less appropriate for casual, everyday situations.

Grammar pattern

triumph + over + object

Memory hint

Think 'try and win' — both actions lead to a triumph!

Collocations

  • great
  • major
  • real
  • score
  • hail something as
  • see something as
  • in triumph
  • triumph against
  • triumph for
  • a/​somebody’s moment of triumph
  • a sense of triumph
  • a/​somebody’s triumph over adversity
  • great
  • major
  • real
  • score
  • hail something as
  • see something as
  • in triumph
  • triumph against
  • triumph for
  • a/​somebody’s moment of triumph
  • a sense of triumph
  • a/​somebody’s triumph over adversity

Synonyms

  • victory
  • success
  • win
  • conquest
  • achievement

Antonyms

  • defeat
  • failure
  • loss

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'triumphant', which describes the feeling after a victory.
  • Using it as a verb incorrectly, instead of the adjective form.
  • Overusing it in minor achievements instead of reserving it for significant victories.