comeuppance

noun

come·​up·​pance (ˌ)kəm-ˈə-pən(t)s 

: a deserved rebuke or penalty : deserts

One of these days, he'll get his comeuppance for treating people so arrogantly.

Synonyms

• castigation
• chastisement
• correction
• desert(s)
• discipline
• nemesis
• penalty
• punishment
• wrath

Examples of comeuppance in a Sentence

One of these days, he'll get his comeuppance for treating people so arrogantly.

as with many action movies, this one ends with a wild chase and an over-the-top fight sequence in which the bad guys finally get their comeuppance

Recent Examples on the Web

Loser: Basketball Gods The Mavericks really never got their comeuppance for tanking out of the playoffs last year for the draft pick that became Dereck Lively, huh? —Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 2 June 2024

For them, the case could represent a rare moment of catharsis: comeuppance for a man who, in their minds, poisoned the institution of the presidency. —William K. Rashbaum, New York Times, 30 May 2024

People like to sit in judgment and watch people get their reward or comeuppance. —Maer Roshan, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 May 2024

Before eventually getting her comeuppance, Esther claims one last victim: Niko, who sacrifices her life to save Crystal from a deadly dagger. —Max Gao, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

come up + -ance

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

comeuppance

noun

come·​up·​pance

(ˌ)kəm-ˈəp-ən(t)s

: strong criticism that is deserved