# nemesis

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈnɛməsɪs/ · frequency rank #18,637

## Definitions
1. An enemy, especially an archenemy.
2. A person or character who specifically brings about the downfall of another person or character, as an agent of that character's fate or destiny, especially within a narrative.
3. The personification of the "fatal flaw" of a dramatic hero in the style of Greek tragedy.
4. Polar opposite, especially of a literary character.
5. The principle of retributive justice.
6. A punishment or defeat that is deserved and cannot be avoided; (an instance of) retribution.

## Etymology
From the Greek goddess of retribution Nemesis (Ancient Greek Νέμεσις (Némesis)).

## Common misspellings (10)
`enmesis`, `neemsis`, `nemeiss`, `nemesiss`, `nemessi`, `nemessis`, `nemmesis`, `nemseis`, `nmeesis`, `nnemesis`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/nemesis