nemesis

/'nemisis/
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nemesis

A persistent weed became the gardener's nemesis.

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.
nemesis

A persistent weed became the gardener's nemesis.

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

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