nemesis

American  

[nem-uh-sis] / ˈnɛm ə sɪs /

noun

plural

nemeses

1. something that a person cannot conquer, achieve, etc..

   The performance test proved to be my nemesis.

   Synonyms:

   Waterloo

2. an opponent or rival whom a person cannot best or overcome.

3. (initial capital letter) the goddess of divine retribution.

4. an agent or act of retribution or punishment.

   Synonyms:

   Waterloo, ruin, undoing, downfall

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Nemesis British  

/ ˈnɛmɪsɪs /

noun

1. Greek myth the goddess of retribution and vengeance

2. (sometimes not capital) any agency of retribution and vengeance

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Nemesis Cultural  

1. In classical mythology, the Greek goddess of vengeance.

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Discover More

By extension, a “nemesis” is an avenger. One's nemesis is that which will bring on one's destruction or downfall.

Etymology

Origin of nemesis

< Latin < Greek némesis literally, a dealing out, verbid of némein to dispense (justice); -sis

Example Sentences

It always is when Scotland face their greatest nemesis.

From BBC

How do Scots beat 'nemesis' Ireland for first time in 12 meetings?

From BBC

The world number two got one over on his arch nemesis Littler after a long wait as he claimed a first victory over the 19-year-old since last year's Premier League final in May.

From BBC

Because as much as I sometimes hated being Jonah’s academic nemesis, I’d rather that than nothing.

From Literature

Like his nemesis, Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Tojo had a flawed ear for domestic politics.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• adversary