noun
kryptonite
KRIHP-tuh-nyt
Kryptonite (noun) means Figuratively, the one specific thing that can weaken or defeat someone or something otherwise very strong. Example: “Public speaking is his kryptonite — he freezes up every time.”
noun
1
Figuratively, the one specific thing that can weaken or defeat someone or something otherwise very strong.
"Public speaking is his kryptonite — he freezes up every time."
"For this diet, late-night snacking is my kryptonite."
verb
1
To ruin, weaken, or badly damage something, in the way kryptonite affects Superman.
"One bad review can kryptonite an otherwise promising restaurant launch."
How to use kryptonite
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA person's or thing's single big weakness, borrowed from the Superman comics.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with krypton, the actual chemical element — kryptonite exists only in fiction.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
someone's kryptonite
his one kryptonite
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like kryptonite.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- kryptonites
- Third person singular
- kryptonites
- Past tense
- kryptonited
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Public speaking is his _____ — he freezes up every time.
Etymology
From the fictional radioactive mineral in Superman stories, which is the one substance able to weaken him — itself named after the real element krypton.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for kryptonite
See all rhymes for kryptonite →Frequently asked questions
What does “kryptonite” mean?
The word “kryptonite” means figuratively, the one specific thing that can weaken or defeat someone or something otherwise very strong. In plain terms, a person's or thing's single big weakness, borrowed from the Superman comics.
How do you pronounce “kryptonite”?
“Kryptonite” is pronounced KRIHP-tuh-nyt (/ˈkɹɪptənaɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “kryptonite” in a sentence?
Here is “kryptonite” used in a sentence: “Public speaking is his kryptonite — he freezes up every time.”
What part of speech is “kryptonite”?
Depending on how it is used, “kryptonite” can be a noun and a verb.
How many meanings does “kryptonite” have?
“Kryptonite” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: figuratively, the one specific thing that can weaken or defeat someone or something otherwise very strong.
