karmic retribution

USAGE SUMMARY

"karmic retribution" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to the belief that one's actions in this life can lead to consequences in the next life, or in a broader sense, the idea that what goes around comes around. Example: After constantly cheating and taking advantage of others, Maxine began to experience karmic retribution when she lost all of her friends and was hit with a series of unfortunate events.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"Karmic retribution".

The New York Times

I barked something about karmic retribution.

The New York Times

What's left is personal vengeance and divine or karmic retribution.

The New Yorker

I was about to get my karmic retribution.

The New York Times

She admitted that her comments suggesting that karmic retribution may have caused the devastating earthquakes in China were blithering.

The New York Times

"You ever wonder if Trump is karmic retribution for all those ironic 'Thanks, Obama' jokes?" October 11, 2016.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Some of you will see this as karmic payback.

The New York Times

Khloe Kardashian promises karmic payback in $250,000 jewelry theft.

Los Angeles Times

Han Solo has now paid the karmic price and I'm sure Leia's penance won't be far behind, not that these violent retributions will help their broken son much.

Huffington Post

The Jain karmic theory attaches great responsibility to individual actions, and eliminates any reliance on some supposed existence of divine grace or retribution.

Wikipedia

The karmic link glows.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about situations where someone is experiencing negative consequences, consider whether "karmic retribution" accurately reflects the underlying cause, or if another term like "consequences" or "punishment" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid attributing random negative events to "karmic retribution" simply because they happen after someone has done something wrong. Ensure there is a clear and logical connection between the past action and the present consequence, rather than relying on a superstitious interpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "karmic retribution" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms it is a correct and usable phrase in English, referring to the belief that actions have consequences, often in a moral or universal sense. The examples showcase this.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "karmic retribution" is a noun phrase that describes the belief that negative actions lead to negative consequences, often in a moral or universal balancing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable English phrase. Its usage is common across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science, indicating a neutral to formal register. While originating from religious concepts, it's often used secularly to explain suffering or emphasize ethical behavior. When writing, use "karmic retribution" to highlight the connection between actions and their consequences, avoiding its misapplication to random events. Alternatives like "what goes around comes around" or "cosmic justice" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what goes around comes around

An idiomatic expression indicating that one's actions will eventually have consequences for themselves.

reaping what you sow

Highlights the causal relationship between actions and their consequences, suggesting that good actions lead to good results and vice versa.

retribution for past deeds

Specifically refers to the idea of receiving punishment or negative consequences for actions taken in the past.

cosmic justice

Emphasizes the universal and impartial nature of the justice being served.

the chickens come home to roost

An idiom suggesting that negative actions will eventually lead to negative consequences.

just deserts

Implies that someone is receiving what they deserve, whether good or bad.

the bill comes due

Implies that one must eventually face the negative consequences of their choices or behavior.

divine payback

Highlights the role of a higher power in delivering consequences.

consequences of one's actions

A more general term referring to the results of what someone does, without necessarily implying punishment.

poetic justice

Suggests an ironic or fitting end where a character's virtues or vices are appropriately rewarded or punished.

FAQs

How is "karmic retribution" different from simple punishment?

"Karmic retribution" implies a universal or cosmic balance, where consequences arise naturally from past actions, often across lifetimes or in a broader moral sense. Simple punishment is usually a direct, intentional consequence imposed by an authority or system.

What are some alternative ways to express the idea of "karmic retribution"?

You can use alternatives like "what goes around comes around", "divine payback", or "cosmic justice" depending on the context.

Is "karmic retribution" a religious concept?

While the concept of karma originates in religions like Buddhism and Hinduism, the phrase "karmic retribution" is often used in a more secular context to describe the idea that negative actions will eventually lead to negative consequences.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "karmic retribution" in writing?

Use "karmic retribution" when you want to emphasize a sense of moral or universal balance, suggesting that someone's current suffering is a direct result of their past actions. Be careful not to use it lightly or to justify misfortune without a clear connection to previous behavior.