nemesis

Plural: nemeses

Noun

• A formidable or unbeatable opponent; a source of ruin.
• (Greek mythology) the goddess of divine retribution and vengeance
• something causing misery or death
• An enemy, especially an archenemy.
• 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.
• The personification of the "fatal flaw" of a dramatic hero in the style of Greek tragedy.
• Polar opposite, especially of a literary character.
• The principle of retributive justice.
• A punishment or defeat that is deserved and cannot be avoided; (an instance of) retribution.

Examples

• Batman is in constant conflict with his nemesis, The Joker.
• His nemesis always seemed to draw the ’Q’ and ’Z’ tiles at the perfect moment.

Synonyms

bane, curse, scourge