The Open Dictionary

nemesis

noun

UK/ˈnem.ə.sɪs/
US/ˈnem.ə.sɪs/

Definitions of nemesis noun

  1. Countable

    A nemesis is a person or thing that one struggles greatly to overcome.

    • For that athlete, injuries have always been his nemesis.

    • Public speaking has always been her nemesis in her professional career.

    • He met his nemesis in the long fight against cancer.

  2. Countable

    A nemesis is an unavoidable cause of one's deserved punishment or defeat; also, the punishment itself.

    • After years of corruption, his political career finally met its nemesis.

    • After being overconfident, he finally met his nemesis.

    • She felt that her poor financial decisions were a nemesis she could not escape.