nemesis

[ nem-uh-sis ]
/ ˈnɛm ə sɪs /

noun, plural nem·e·ses [nem-uh-seez] /ˈnɛm əˌsiz/.

something that a person cannot conquer, achieve, etc.: The performance test proved to be my nemesis.
an opponent or rival whom a person cannot best or overcome.
(initial capital letter) Classical Mythology. the goddess of divine retribution.
an agent or act of retribution or punishment.

Origin of nemesis

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

SYNONYMS FOR nemesis

1 Waterloo.
4 downfall, undoing, ruin, Waterloo.

Words nearby nemesis

nemean games, nemean lion, nemerov, nemertean, nemesia, nemesis, nemine contradicente, nemine dissentiente, nemo, nemo me impune lacessit, nemophila

Words related to nemeses

adversary, ruination, curse, scourge, rival, infliction, plague, affliction, torment, opponent

Example sentences from the Web for nemeses

British Dictionary definitions for nemeses

Nemesis
/ (ˈnɛmɪsɪs) /

noun plural -ses (-ˌsiːz)

Greek myth the goddess of retribution and vengeance
(sometimes not capital) any agency of retribution and vengeance

Word Origin for Nemesis

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

Cultural definitions for nemeses

Nemesis
[ (nem-uh-sis) ]

In classical mythology, the Greek goddess of vengeance.

notes for Nemesis

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