nemesis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nemesis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a long-standing rival or arch-enemy, often in a context where one person or force is seen as the ultimate opponent of another. Example: "In the world of superheroes, Batman and the Joker are often seen as each other's nemesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Matrix's nemesis, his former buddy turned obsessive henchman-in-chief, is played with an exaggerated campness that would be considered offensive today.

The Guardian - Film

Chris Rogers had been a victim for Graeme Swann on five occasions in the first four Tests and took the no-shot approach to facing his nemesis at The Oval, scoring off only four of the 52 balls he faced against the spinner before falling to him once more.

The Guardian - Sport

The Beano publisher DC Thomson has collaborated in an official "mod" for the popular game, replacing default characters and items with Dennis and Gnasher, as well as catapults, rotten tomatoes, stink bombs and Dennis' nemesis Walter.

The Guardian - Tech

But the largest contingent wants to go over to the Queen's Head to confront their nemesis.

The Guardian

If Andy Shrimpton were to have a nemesis, he might be someone like Andreas Casalotti, owner of London-based Zero Couriers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When the USA were finally drawn against Germany and an opening game against their World Cup nemesis Ghana, there was a general air of resignation that fate would bring Klinsmann's team up against those two, but there was still a further sting in the tale when Portugal, and Cristiano Ronaldo, appeared as the final team in one of the undoubted groups of death of the tournament.

The Guardian - Sport

Surely there must be easier places to meet his nemesis in Sydney?

The Guardian - Travel

Dyke's analysis of his nemesis' unaccountability sounds broadly reliable.

The Guardian

And then: more trouble, in the shape of Paltrow's nemesis Blake Lively, proprietor of Goop's upstart rival in the world of websites flogging insufferably marketed, overpriced cobblers, Preserve.

The Guardian - Film

It did not require too great an intellect to surmise this selection nor the reason why they wished to put him under the particular scrutiny of batting against his nemesis Australians rather than the cosiness of his England chums.

The Guardian - Sport

Both she and her nemesis returned in three sequels of markedly contrasting flavours: James Cameron's wham-bam Aliens (1986), David Fincher's clammy, intense Alien³ (1992) and Jean-Pierre Jeunet's comic-book-style Alien Resurrection (1997).

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nemesis" to denote a significant and often insurmountable adversary, especially one that seems destined to cause downfall. For example, "Procrastination became his ultimate nemesis, preventing him from achieving his goals."

Common error

Avoid using "nemesis" for minor adversaries or trivial challenges. A true "nemesis" represents a formidable, persistent, and often fateful opponent. For example, calling a difficult homework assignment your "nemesis" diminishes the word's impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "nemesis" is that of a noun. It typically functions as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it denotes a significant and persistent adversary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "nemesis" is a noun used to describe a significant and persistent adversary, often one that brings about someone's downfall. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical usage is correct, and it appears frequently in diverse contexts such as news, business, and even scientific discussions. While alternatives like "archenemy" and "archrival" exist, "nemesis" carries a particular weight, suggesting a fateful and often unavoidable opposition. Using "nemesis" appropriately means reserving it for formidable and long-standing adversaries, avoiding its misuse for trivial challenges. Therefore, understanding its nuances is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

archenemy

Emphasizes the primary and often most significant enemy in a narrative or personal conflict; slightly more dramatic.

archrival

Highlights a competitive relationship where the rivalry is intense and long-standing; appropriate in sports or business contexts.

adversary

A more general term for an opponent or enemy in a contest or conflict; lacks the intensity of "nemesis".

antagonist

Commonly used in literature and drama to describe the character who opposes the protagonist.

foe

A formal or archaic term for an enemy; often used in historical or literary contexts.

rival

Focuses on competition rather than animosity; suitable for contexts like sports or business.

opponent

A general term for someone who opposes another in a contest, game, or argument.

tormentor

Highlights the deliberate infliction of suffering or harassment.

scourge

Refers to something that causes great suffering or devastation; often used in a broader, more abstract sense.

bane

Indicates a source of persistent annoyance or trouble; less intense than "nemesis" but implies a significant negative impact.

FAQs

How to use "nemesis" in a sentence?

Use "nemesis" to refer to a long-standing and significant rival or enemy. For example, "For years, climate change has been the "nemesis" of coastal communities, threatening their very existence."

What can I say instead of "nemesis"?

You can use alternatives like "archenemy", "adversary", or "archrival" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "nemesis" or "enemy"?

"Nemesis" implies a more significant and often fateful opposition than a general "enemy". A "nemesis" often suggests an unavoidable downfall brought about by this adversary. While an enemy is just someone who is hostile to someone.

What's the difference between "nemesis" and "rival"?

While both terms describe opposition, a "rival" typically suggests competition, whereas a "nemesis" implies a more profound and often destructive antagonism. A business competitor can be a "rival", but a criminal mastermind who constantly thwarts a hero's efforts is their "nemesis".