Word
nemesis
Phoneticsneme·sis
US/ˈnɛməsɪs/
UK/nˈɛməsɪs/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a person or thing that is a constant enemy or a very difficult problem to overcome. It often feels like they are specifically designed to defeat you.
n. a persistent rival or formidable opponent who is seemingly impossible to defeat. Often carries a connotation of inescapable retribution or poetic justice.
Examples
“The local champion finally met his nemesis in the final match.”
“Public speaking had always been her professional nemesis, preventing her from seeking the promotions she deserved.”
“In classical literature, the protagonist's downfall is frequently orchestrated by a nemesis who embodies the very flaws the hero refused to acknowledge during their rise to power.”
Examples
simple
“The local champion finally met his nemesis in the final match.”
contextual
“Public speaking had always been her professional nemesis, preventing her from seeking the promotions she deserved.”
complex
“In classical literature, the protagonist's downfall is frequently orchestrated by a nemesis who embodies the very flaws the hero refused to acknowledge during their rise to power.”
Usage
Often used with the possessive ('my nemesis', 'his nemesis') to indicate a personal and long-standing rivalry.
Real-World Examples
“Miss Lemon – Lydia’s arch nemesis with whom she has an entertaining feud – receives a prize designed to play havoc with her lactose intolerance.” “Through such trials birders develop what they call “nemesis birds,” birderspeak for the species that bedevil them again and again, despite their best efforts.” “Every New Year’s Day, Lily wakes up in a new century, trying to navigate first love, avoid her ever-present nemesis, and cope with life without chicken nuggets.” “The game's environmental design is outstanding, and connecting a remote resource can be just as gratifying as defeating a nemesis in a different game.” Etymology
From Ancient Greek Νέμεσις (Némesis, “Nemesis, goddess of retribution”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Stories
Greek Mythology · See all Greek myth origin
Expressions the ancient Greek myths left in everyday English.
a Herculean task — A task requiring enormous strength, effort, or determination to complete.
a Pyrrhic victory — A win that costs so much it feels almost like a defeat.
a Sisyphean task — A task that is endless and futile, because it must be repeated forever without ever being finished.
Achilles' heel — A single hidden weakness in someone or something otherwise strong.
Ariadne's thread — A method or clue that guides you safely through a confusing, complicated problem.
atlas — a book of maps or a collection of charts; it can also refer to a specific bone in your neck or a figure from Greek mythology.
The word in film
Star Trek: Nemesis · 2002 · Sci-Fi
- Directed by:
- Stuart Baird
- Starring:
- Patrick Stewart, Whoopi Goldberg, John Berg
Stuart Baird directed this 2002 science-fiction adventure, the tenth Star Trek film, with Patrick Stewart returning as Captain Picard. Picard confronts a rival commander built to be his equal and opposite. The title uses nemesis for a sworn enemy who feels designed to defeat the hero.
In Literature
Cover shown under fair use for identification and commentary.
Nemesis · 1989-01-01 · Science fiction
- Author:
- Isaac Asimov
Isaac Asimov published this science-fiction novel in 1989. When astronomers find a small red star heading toward Earth, a secret colony ship escapes to its planetary system. The title is the star's name — and the deadly threat hanging over humanity.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/nemesis