A "moral victory" occurs when a person or group feels they have achieved a significant ethical or principled success, even if they did not win in a traditional sense. This concept is often seen in competitive situations, such as sports or debates, where the outcome may not reflect the effort, integrity, or values demonstrated during the event. For example, a team may lose a game but gain respect for their sportsmanship and teamwork, leading to a sense of pride. Similarly, in social movements, a group may not achieve immediate goals but inspire others and raise awareness, which can be considered a moral victory.