nemesis Definition
- 1a long-standing rival; an archenemy
- 2a downfall caused by an inescapable agent
- 3a punishment or defeat that is deserved and cannot be avoided
Using nemesis: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "nemesis" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He considered the opposing team to be his nemesis.
Example
Her nemesis finally caught up with her and she was arrested.
Example
The company's nemesis was bankruptcy.
Example
His addiction was his nemesis.
nemesis Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using nemesis
Example
After years of cheating, he finally met his nemesis when he was caught and expelled from school.
Example
Her own arrogance proved to be her nemesis in the end.
when someone's past mistakes or misdeeds finally catch up with them and lead to their downfall
Example
After years of embezzlement, his nemesis finally caught up with him and he was sentenced to prison.
Phrases with nemesis
arch-nemesis
the main enemy or rival, often used in a dramatic or exaggerated way
Example
Batman's arch-nemesis is the Joker.
Example
The nemesis of fate caught up with him when he lost everything in the stock market crash.
Example
Lack of funding has become the nemesis of progress for many research projects.
Origins of nemesis
from Greek 'nemesis', meaning 'retribution'
Summary: nemesis in Brief
The term 'nemesis' [ˈneməsɪs] refers to a long-standing rival or archenemy, as well as a downfall caused by an inescapable agent. It can also denote a punishment or defeat that is deserved and cannot be avoided. Examples include 'He considered the opposing team to be his nemesis,' and 'His addiction was his nemesis.' Phrases like 'arch-nemesis' and 'nemesis of fate' further illustrate the concept, while idioms like 'meet one's nemesis' and 'nemesis catches up with someone' describe the consequences of facing one's downfall.