Triumph over adversity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Triumph over adversity" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe overcoming challenges or difficulties in various contexts, such as personal struggles, achievements, or inspirational stories. For example, "Her journey to success is a true testament to her ability to triumph over adversity." Alternative expressions include "overcome challenges" and "prevail against difficulties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It was a triumph over adversity.

The New York Times

They do not mainly triumph over adversity.

The New York Times - Books

What a wonderful triumph over adversity!

The New York Times

Shows are always about triumph over adversity.

The Guardian

ULYSSES S. GRANT: Triumph Over Adversity, 1822-1865.

The New York Times - Books

Some theatergoers, reading that description, no doubt expected an inspirational story of triumph over adversity.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Or just some triumph-over-adversity escapism with a happy ending?

Independent

As for Heather, ballroom dancing with a false leg epitomises the triumph-over-adversity that Americans idolise.

The Guardian

October 8 2013 October 13 201313 Jazz has had its share of triumph-over-adversity tales, but few have been as inspirational as that of Harrell.

The New Yorker

Pitts describes this triumph-over-adversity trajectory in his memoir, Step Out on Nothing, and will talk about it during his keynote address.

Johns Hopkins University

In terms of a 'triumph over adversity' story, this one takes some beating.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "triumph over adversity" to add a sense of drama and inspiration to writing, particularly when highlighting significant achievements or personal stories. It emphasizes not just success, but the difficulty overcome.

Common error

Avoid using "triumph over adversity" for minor inconveniences or everyday challenges. The phrase is best reserved for situations involving genuine hardship and significant achievement, maintaining its impact and avoiding cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "triumph over adversity" typically functions as a noun phrase. It describes a situation or outcome characterized by successfully overcoming significant difficulties. It can act as the subject or object of a sentence, encapsulating the concept of overcoming obstacles.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "triumph over adversity" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of successfully overcoming significant challenges. Analysis of various sources by Ludwig reveals that this phrase is frequently used in news and media, as well as academic contexts, to inspire and celebrate resilience. While the phrase is not inherently a cliché, it should be reserved for situations involving genuine hardship to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "overcoming challenges" or "prevailing against the odds" can be used depending on the desired level of formality or emphasis. Overall, Ludwig AI confirms that "triumph over adversity" remains a powerful and relevant expression for highlighting significant achievements in the face of difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Triumphing in the face of adversity

This alternative is more formal than the original and emphasizes the subject's triumph.

Overcoming challenges

Focuses on the act of confronting and successfully dealing with difficulties, less emphatic than "triumph".

Prevailing against the odds

Highlights the improbability of success, emphasizing the strength required to succeed. A more dramatic tone than the original phrase.

Conquering hardship

Emphasizes the severity of the difficulties faced and the decisiveness of the victory.

Rising above misfortune

Highlights the negative circumstances that were present and the act of elevating oneself beyond them.

Beating the odds

An informal phrase emphasizing the statistical improbability of success. Less formal.

Weathering the storm

Implies enduring a difficult period and emerging stronger. A more passive and enduring perspective.

Achieving victory in the face of difficulty

A more descriptive and less concise alternative, stressing the achievement aspect.

Turning obstacles into opportunities

Focuses on the positive transformation of challenges into advantages. Adds a proactive element.

Emerging victorious from difficult circumstances

A longer, more descriptive phrase that highlights the challenging context.

FAQs

How can I use "triumph over adversity" in a sentence?

You can use "triumph over adversity" to describe situations where someone has overcome significant challenges to achieve success. For example, "Her success story is a true example of "triumph over adversity"".

What are some alternatives to "triumph over adversity"?

Some alternatives include "overcoming challenges", "prevailing against the odds", or "conquering hardship". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "triumph over adversity" a cliché?

While "triumph over adversity" is a common phrase, it is not inherently a cliché. Its effectiveness depends on the context and how it's used. Overusing it in trivial situations can diminish its impact, but it remains appropriate for describing genuine and significant accomplishments in the face of difficulty.

Which is correct, "triumph over adversity" or "triumph against adversity"?

"Triumph over adversity" is the more common and idiomatic phrasing. While "triumph against adversity" isn't grammatically incorrect, it's less frequently used and may sound slightly awkward to native English speakers. "Over" suggests surmounting or overcoming, which fits better with the concept of adversity.