nemesis

[ nem-uh-sis ]

noun

, plural nem·e·ses [nem, -, uh, -seez].

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) Classical Mythology. 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.

Notes

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

Example Sentences

The chief negotiator for the top studios and streamers is often regarded as the nemesis of Hollywood labor, but Lombardini had a different take upon stepping into the role more than a decade ago.

From Los Angeles Times

The Dodgers’ biggest nemesis with a bat in his hands is Aaron Judge.

From Los Angeles Times

Nor does he worry, Khachigian said, about Trump using the National Guard or military to punish political nemeses like California Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff, as Trump suggested he might in a Fox News interview.

From Los Angeles Times

I think ball security is going to be his nemesis, but other than that he can make all the throws, he’s a tough guy, he’s blue collar.

From Los Angeles Times

He quickly realised that putting was going to be his nemesis, so the engineer did what engineers do and looked for a solution.

From BBC

Related Words

• adversary