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

Or so we’re reminded when Buddy’s nemesis shows up for the big day.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Usually it plays out as a cute moment, the assembled gaggle cooing awwww at the exchange as the queried party answers far more effusively than they do for their daily adult nemeses.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

They have been chasing an elusive European title for several years and it is Barcelona who have proved to be their nemesis, knocking them out in four of the past five Champions League campaigns.

Read more on BBC

Even as their nemesis prowled the nursery, the Horrible Incorrigibles whined, punched, dueled, and pirouetted all the way to the bakehouse.

Read more on Literature

The official trailer for the sequel shows the chirpy red-capped Italian plumber cavorting with his friends and nemeses in a colourful intergalactic universe.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• adversary