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

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.

From Washington Post

Democratic pundits had spent hours licking their wounds vowing comeuppance.

From The Daily Beast

After all, the comeuppance of the Big Bad is the good part of any horror story.

From The Daily Beast

It even has a comeuppance ending, and the bad guy is killed.

From The Daily Beast

Taranto's “comeuppance” idea rests on two odd assumptions/insinuations.

From The Daily Beast

But what is clear is that Taranto thinks that my $200 per month rate increase represents some much-deserved comeuppance.

From The Daily Beast

You young smart Alecks will get your comeuppance, muttered the man.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• retribution