Definition

1. Noun:
   • A source of persistent frustration, defeat, or downfall: A person, thing, or situation that is a long-standing and unbeatable cause of trouble or failure.
   • (Greek mythology) The goddess of divine retribution and vengeance: In classical mythology, the goddess who personifies the inescapable agent of punishment for wrongdoing or hubris (excessive pride).

Usage Examples

• Noun (source of defeat):
  • The champion boxer finally met his nemesis in the young contender.
  • For many students, calculus is their academic nemesis.
• Noun (mythological figure):
  • In the myth, Nemesis ensured that no mortal could escape the consequences of their arrogance.

Advanced Usage

• "to be one's nemesis": to be the thing or person that consistently causes one's failure or downfall.
  • The detective considered the master thief to be his personal nemesis.
• "a nemesis relationship": a rivalry characterized by one side being the consistent, formidable opponent of the other.
  • The two tennis stars had a classic nemesis relationship, with one always defeating the other in major finals.

Variants and Related Words

• Nemeses (n): The standard plural form of "nemesis."
  • The hero faced many nemeses throughout his career.
• Nemesian (adj): Pertaining to Nemesis or the concept of retributive justice (rare, literary).
  • The play's ending had a nemesian quality, where every character received their just deserts.

Synonyms

• Archenemy: A chief enemy.
• Bane: A cause of great distress or annoyance.
• Downfall: A loss of power, prosperity, or status.
• Scourge: A person or thing that causes great trouble or suffering.

Antonyms

• Ally: A person or group that cooperates with another.
• Benefactor: A person who gives help, especially financial aid.
• Savior: A person who saves someone or something from danger.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Meet one's nemesis": To finally encounter the person or thing that will defeat you.
  • The arrogant king was destined to meet his nemesis.
• "An inescapable nemesis": Refers to a fate or consequence that cannot be avoided, drawing from the mythological concept.
  • His guilt became his inescapable nemesis.

Noun

1. something causing misery or death
   • the bane of my life
2. (Greek mythology) the goddess of divine retribution and vengeance