comeuppance

American  

[kuhm-uhp-uhns] / ˌkʌmˈʌp əns /

noun

Informal.

1. deserved reward or just deserts, usually unpleasant.

   He finally got his comeuppance for his misbehavior.

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comeuppance British  

/ ˌkʌmˈʌpəns /

noun

1. informal just retribution

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Etymology

Origin of comeuppance

An Americanism first recorded in 1855–60; from the phrase come up (as in judgment for a trial) + -ance

Example Sentences

In the climactic scene, Griffith’s Tess McGill convincingly demonstrates it was her idea all along while her boss gets her comeuppance.

From The Wall Street Journal

But the longed-for comeuppance of the brutish earl is as much an attraction to the series as Ms. Peckham.

From The Wall Street Journal

Highlights included Hot To Go, with its viral YMCA-style dance routine; and the snarky comeuppance anthem My Kink Is Karma, which Roan dedicated "to my ex who is in the crowd tonight".

From BBC

The total lack of subtext makes the film frustrating to watch, even if we know Josh will get his comeuppance.

From Salon

But this is just the middle chapter; a third season is slated for 2025, and it is my holiday wish that it spells “comeuppance.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• retribution