Question

nemesis

Accepted Answer

nem‧e‧sis /ˈneməsəs, ˈnemɪsəs/ noun [singular]
1an opponent or enemy that is likely to be impossible for you to defeat, or a situation that is likely to be impossible for you to deal with
meet/face your nemesis
In the final he will meet his old nemesis, Roger Federer.
2literary a punishment that is deserved and cannot be avoided
THESAURUS
person
enemy someone who does not like you because you have had a big disagreement with them in the past or someone who opposes you in business or politics: If that’s how he treats his friends, I’d hate to be his enemy. | In business, it’s best not to make too many enemies.
adversary formal an enemy: When he retired, he was replaced by his old adversary. | He made the fatal mistake of underestimating his adversary.
foe literary an enemy: A guard called out ‘Who goes there – friend or foe?’ | his former foes
arch enemy someone’s main enemy: In the movie, Batman goes into battle with his arch enemy the Joker.
opponent someone you are competing against, for example in a sports game, competition, or election: You win the game if you are left with more cards than your opponent. | He is admired even by his political opponents.
nemesis written an enemy or opponent that is impossible to defeat – a rather formal use: In the final, he met his old nemesis, Rafael Nadal.

Enemy Nemesis Opponent Impossible Nemesis Formal Adversary Arch