nemesis

[nem-uh-sis]

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

Nemesis

/ ˈnɛmɪsɪs /

noun

1. Greek myth the goddess of retribution and vengeance

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

Nemesis

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Nemesis¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Nemesis¹

C16: via Latin from Greek: righteous wrath, from némein to distribute what is due

Related Words

• adversary