Biologically important triazole derived Schiff base ligand 2-[(1Z)-N-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)- etanimidoyl]phenol (SR) is synthesized by condensation of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole with 2-hydroxyacetophenone. The ligand forms the corresponding complexes upon reaction with salts of VO(IV), Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) in 2: 1 ratio. The Schiff base ligand coordinates to the metal atoms via nitrogen atoms of azomethine and triazole, and oxygen of acetophenone. Structures of the complexes are supported by physical and spectral data. Antibacterial activity of the synthesized triazole ligand and transition metal complexes is tested against several bacterial strains: Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Staphylococcus aureus. The complexes demonstrate substantial antibacterial activity.