comeuppance

[kuhm-uhp-uhns]

noun

Informal.

1. deserved reward or just deserts, usually unpleasant.

   He finally got his comeuppance for his misbehavior.

comeuppance

/ ˌkʌmˈʌpəns /

noun

1. informal,  just retribution

Word History and Origins

Origin of comeuppance¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of comeuppance¹

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

Example Sentences

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".

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It wasn’t just that the audience wanted catharsis, it was that they wanted to see Alex — the mentally ill, lonely, mistreated woman they saw as simply “crazy” — get her comeuppance.

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The total lack of subtext makes the film frustrating to watch, even if we know Josh will get his comeuppance.

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But this is just the middle chapter; a third season is slated for 2025, and it is my holiday wish that it spells “comeuppance.”

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This compelling novel about a gourmet chef and serial killer who gets her comeuppance was inspired by a true story and examines society's relationship with food, misogyny and violence.

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Related Words

• retribution