nemesis

American  

[nem-uh-sis] / ˈnɛm ə sɪs /

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

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Nemesis British  

/ ˈnɛmɪsɪs /

noun

1. Greek myth the goddess of retribution and vengeance

2. (sometimes not capital) any agency of retribution and vengeance

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Nemesis Cultural  

1. In classical mythology, the Greek goddess of vengeance.

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Discover More

By extension, a “nemesis” is an avenger. One's nemesis is that which will bring on one's destruction or downfall.

Etymology

Origin of nemesis

< Latin < Greek némesis literally, a dealing out, verbid of némein to dispense (justice); -sis

Example Sentences

“The Copenhagen Test” presents a potentially irritating conceit—everything Alexander sees and hears is available for viewing by his nemeses.

From The Wall Street Journal

By defeating one of the franchise’s historic nemeses, the San Antonio Spurs, the Knicks claimed their first title in 52 torturous years.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From 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.

From 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.

From BBC

Related Words

• adversary