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

A turbulent climate always has been the nemesis of Highway 1’s splendor.

From Los Angeles Times

As they take the show on tour, there's a quick but beautiful shot of Williams watching from under the stage, flashing a quick thumbs up at his former nemeses as they perform Rule The World.

From BBC

"Rachel, watching you though the whole series has just been fantastic," her one-time nemesis Harriet told spin-off show Uncloaked.

From BBC

So far, the Melbourne Park hard courts have proved his nemesis, failing to go past the quarter-finals in his four trips to Australia.

From Barron's

“The Copenhagen Test” presents a potentially irritating conceit—everything Alexander sees and hears is available for viewing by his nemeses.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• adversary