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comeuppance

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "comeuppance": Comeuppance refers to a punishment or fate that someone deserves, usually as a result of their past

What does "comeuppance" mean?

Comeuppance refers to a punishment or fate that someone deserves, usually as a result of their past bad behavior or arrogance. The mental image is that of a "reckoning" or a settling of accounts, where the universe or a specific authority finally catches up to someone who has been acting poorly. It is almost exclusively used in negative contexts, often carrying a sense of satisfaction or justice. You will frequently hear it paired with the verb "get" (e.g., "he finally got his comeuppance"). While it is a standard English word, it has a slightly literary or dramatic flair, making it sound more impactful than simple words like "punishment" or "consequence."

"comeuppance" in conversation

Discussing a workplace bully

Did you hear? The manager finally got fired for how he treated everyone.

Did you hear? The manager finally got fired for how he treated everyone.

Good. He’s been power-tripping for years; it was time he got his comeuppance.

Good. He’s been power-tripping for years; it was time he got his comeuppance.

The speaker feels that the firing was a deserved, karmic justice.

Watching a villain in a movie

I can't believe he got away with the heist in the first act.

I can't believe he got away with the heist in the first act.

Just wait, the hero is tracking him down. He’ll get his comeuppance by the end of the film.

Just wait, the hero is tracking him down. He’ll get his comeuppance by the end of the film.

Used here to predict a satisfying conclusion to a plot.

"comeuppance" in a sentence

  1. The villain finally received his comeuppance at the end of the story.

    The villain finally received his comeuppance at the end of the story.

  2. After years of cheating his clients, the corrupt lawyer finally met his comeuppance in court.

    After years of cheating his clients, the corrupt lawyer finally met his comeuppance in court.

  3. He believed his status made him untouchable, but the sudden collapse of his empire was a long-overdue comeuppance.

    He believed his status made him untouchable, but the sudden collapse of his empire was a long-overdue comeuppance.

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