nemesis

[ˈneməsɪs]

nemesis Definition

• 1. a long-standing rival; an archenemy
• 2. a downfall caused by an inescapable agent
• 3. a 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

Synonyms for nemesis

• foe
• enemy
• rival
• adversary
• opponent

Antonyms for nemesis

• ally
• friend

Idioms Using nemesis

• meet one's nemesis

  to face or confront one's archenemy or downfall

  Example

  After years of cheating, he finally met his nemesis when he was caught and expelled from school.

• be the nemesis of someone

  to be the cause of someone's downfall or defeat

  Example

  Her own arrogance proved to be her nemesis in the end.

• nemesis catches up with someone

  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.

• nemesis of fate

  an inevitable force or event that leads to a person's downfall or destruction

  Example

  The nemesis of fate caught up with him when he lost everything in the stock market crash.

• nemesis of progress

  something that hinders or obstructs progress or development

  Example

  Lack of funding has become the nemesis of progress for many research projects.

Origins of nemesis

from Greek 'nemesis', meaning 'retribution'

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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.