A "hollow victory" refers to a situation where someone wins or achieves a goal, but the success feels empty or unsatisfying. This often occurs when the cost of winning is too high, such as losing important relationships or facing significant personal sacrifices. The victory may not bring the expected joy or fulfillment, leading to feelings of regret. In many cases, a hollow victory can arise in competitive environments, such as sports or business. For example, a team might win a championship but lose key players to injuries, making the triumph feel less meaningful. Ultimately, the term highlights the idea that not all victories are truly rewarding.