comeuppance

[ kuhm-uhp-uhns ]

/ ˌkʌmˈʌp əns /

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noun Informal.

deserved reward or just deserts, usually unpleasant: He finally got his comeuppance for his misbehavior.

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Origin of comeuppance

An Americanism first recorded in 1855–60; from the phrase come up (as in judgment for a trial) + -ance

Words nearby comeuppance

come unglued, come up, come up against, come up in the world, come upon, comeuppance, come up roses, come up to, come up with, come what may, come with the territory

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use comeuppance in a sentence

The tales are read by Dahl himself, and his sharp voice, swift delivery and air of relish in delivering comeuppance to bullies and other nasties adds to the pleasure of his dark genius.
The best audiobooks for your summer drive, sorted by length — and who’s in the car|Katherine A. Powers|May 27, 2021|Washington Post
Democratic pundits had spent hours licking their wounds vowing comeuppance.
The Booze That Saved America|Kevin Bleyer|November 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
After all, the comeuppance of the Big Bad is the good part of any horror story.
J.K. Rowling Pens the Greatest Horror Story Ever: Dolores Umbridge Was Real|Kevin Fallon|October 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It even has a comeuppance ending, and the bad guy is killed.
What Asian Film Remakes Like ‘Oldboy’ Get Wrong|Jimmy So|November 26, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Taranto's “comeuppance” idea rests on two odd assumptions/insinuations.
Getting It Right on Obamacare|David Frum|October 31, 2013|DAILY BEAST
But what is clear is that Taranto thinks that my $200 per month rate increase represents some much-deserved comeuppance.
Getting It Right on Obamacare|David Frum|October 31, 2013|DAILY BEAST
You young smart Alecks will get your comeuppance, muttered the man.
The Trail Boys on the Plains|Jay Winthrop Allen

British Dictionary definitions for comeuppance

comeuppance

/ (ˌkʌmˈʌpəns) /

noun

informal just retribution

Word Origin for comeuppance

C19: from come up (in the sense: to appear before a judge or court for judgment)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

comeuppance

Origin of comeuppance

Words nearby comeuppance

Words related to comeuppance

How to use comeuppance in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for comeuppance

Word Origin for comeuppance