Comeuppance

usgb/kʌmˈʌpəns/
noun

The punishment or fate that someone deserves or has earned, especially when it finally happens.

He always treated others poorly, and many said his bankruptcy was his comeuppance.
Visual representation of "comeuppance" - The punishment or fate that someone deserves or has earned, especially when it finally happens

Often appears as...

  • get one's comeuppance
  • deserve a comeuppance

Usage tips

Disapproving

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "comeuppance"
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Consequence Tone

Comeuppance often implies negative consequences for someone's actions, suggesting a moral lesson.

Illustration for Consequence Tone
After cheating in the exam, his comeuppance was failing the course.
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Word Emphasis

Stressing 'comeuppance' in a sentence intensifies the feeling that justice was served.

Illustration for Word Emphasis
Finally, the corrupt politician received his comeuppance.
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Narrative Use

Often used in stories to describe a twist where a character faces the result of their deeds.

Illustration for Narrative Use
The villain's comeuppance at the story's end satisfied readers.
Visual representation of the word "Comeuppance"

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