comeuppance
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of comeuppance
An Americanism first recorded in 1855–60; from the phrase come up (as in judgment for a trial) + -ance
Explanation
Comeuppance describes a fate or punishment that's deserved, like when an arrogant trash-talking quarterback fumbles the ball on the last play and loses the game for his team. Comeuppance began as a term that meant "present oneself for judgment by a tribunal." That was in 1859. You can picture an accused person approaching a judge, or "coming up" to the front of a courtroom. Guilt, innocence — comeuppance can be either, and it can apply to things beyond the justice system. Nowadays you'll most likely hear this word describe something bad. If someone gets a deserved punishment, you'd say "He got his comeuppance."
Vocabulary lists containing comeuppance
Long Walk to Freedom
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I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Mr. Barnett, who has written adaptations of “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” and “Rumpelstiltskin,” is clearly steeped in the grand tradition of fairy-tale villains getting their comeuppance without apology.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2026
The suit claims Banks was prepared for a fair comeuppance, but ultimately the former supermodel felt hoodwinked.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 16, 2026
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 ● Aug. 22, 2025
No final comeuppance, no order from the court that meant more than paper.
From Slate ● Feb. 10, 2025
With a bit of luck, Malfoy would be getting his comeuppance in a few hours’ time.
From "Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets" by J. K. Rowling
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
