Sisyphus

noun

Sis·​y·​phus ˈsi-sə-fəs 

: a legendary king of Corinth condemned eternally to repeatedly roll a heavy rock up a hill in Hades only to have it roll down again as it nears the top

Examples of Sisyphus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Like a nautical Sisyphus, Lara tries to talk some sense into Tzarina. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2025

His favorite piece is a bronze sculpture of Sisyphus pushing his massive rock uphill. —Jabari Young, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025

Efforts to reform the federal government have long been akin to Sisyphus trying to push a huge boulder up a hill. —Jerry Haar, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2025

In April, Baryshnikov Arts will present Sissy, a modern-day reimagining of Sisyphus written, choreographed, and directed by Celia Rowlson-Hall. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2025

In the Greek story of Sisyphus, the king was condemned for eternity to move a massive rock up a hill but never reach the summit. —Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2025

Ben’s comment about Sisyphus the night before rattled around in my head. —Hazlitt, 3 Dec. 2024

The drama is directed by Jin Hyeok, who previously directed Sisyphus:The Myth, The Legend of the Blue Sea, Doctor Stranger, The Master’s Sun, City Hunter and Prosecutor Princess. —Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

Every time Sisyphus neared the crest, the rock rolled back down to the bottom. —Bryan West, USA TODAY, 23 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek Sisyphos

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Sisyphus

• typhus