noun
nemesis
NEH-muh-sihs
noun
1
A person's worst enemy or greatest rival — someone who always seems to oppose or defeat them.
"The detective finally came face to face with his old nemesis."
"For years, that team was our nemesis in the championship game."
2
A downfall or defeat that someone thoroughly deserves and cannot escape; a form of poetic justice.
"His own greed became his nemesis in the end."
How to Use Nemesis
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishYour nemesis is the rival or enemy who always seems to be your downfall.
Common mistake
Nemesis is usually one specific rival, not enemies in general — it implies a personal, recurring rivalry.
Common pairings
archenemy and nemesis
his old nemesis
meet your nemesis
Word Forms
nemeses plural
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The detective finally came face to face with his old _____.
Etymology
From Nemesis, the Greek goddess who punished human arrogance and wrongdoing with fitting retribution.