Nemesis
noun /ˈnɛməsɪs/ — The inescapable force that brings what is deserved.
Definition
The inescapable agent of one's downfall; a long-standing rival; the righteous punishment that a wrongdoer cannot avoid.
Beyond the definition
Every antagonist has a nemesis. Every overreach invites one. The word comes from the goddess of divine retribution — the force that restored cosmic balance by humbling the arrogant. In modern use it describes both the person who defeats you and the consequence you cannot outrun.
Origin & history
From Greek Nemesis, goddess of retribution — from nemein 'to give what is due'. She was depicted with a sword and scales, distributing fortune impartially.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
For a decade, that tennis player remained his nemesis — the one opponent he could never defeat.
Overconfidence had always been his nemesis; it was overconfidence that finally undid him.
She described procrastination as her nemesis — always waiting behind every deadline.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Nemesis” when the meaning fits your context: The inescapable agent of one's downfall; a long-standing rival; the righteous punishment that a wrongdoer cannot avoid.
Synonyms
downfall, bane, adversary, retribution, archnemesis
Antonyms
ally, protector, benefactor
Related words
Questions about this word
What does "Nemesis" mean?
Nemesis is noun meaning: The inescapable force that brings what is deserved.. The inescapable agent of one's downfall; a long-standing rival; the righteous punishment that a wrongdoer cannot avoid.
Where does the word "Nemesis" come from?
From Greek Nemesis, goddess of retribution — from nemein 'to give what is due'. She was depicted with a sword and scales, distributing fortune impartially.