nemesis

[nem-uh-sis]

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

Nemesis

/ ˈnɛmɪsɪs /

noun

1. Greek myth the goddess of retribution and vengeance

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

Nemesis

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of nemesis¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of nemesis¹

C16: via Latin from Greek: righteous wrath, from némein to distribute what is due

Example Sentences

DiCaprio stars as Bob, a paranoid ex-revolutionary living off-grid, who reunites with former accomplices as he's forced to confront an old nemesis after his daughter goes missing.

From BBC

The Rams return to Philadelphia in Week 3 to play the Eagles and nemesis Saquon Barkley.

From Los Angeles Times

Ultraman brought no merchandise with him, but he did bring an evil nemesis, who tried to steal the show during the ceremonial first pitch.

From Los Angeles Times

With actress Julie Christie or supermodel Jean Shrimpton on his arm, he specialised in playing sophisticated villains: including Superman's arch nemesis, General Zod, and the petulant Sergeant Troy in Far From the Madding Crowd.

From BBC

Swift’s rerecorded “Taylor’s Version” editions of those albums were a popular rebuttal to her old nemesis Scooter Braun’s purchase of her catalog.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adversary