Comeuppance is spelled with three syllables: /kʌmˈʌpəns/. The first syllable "kum" is pronounced with a short "u" sound and the stress is on the second syllable "up". The final syllable "pens" is pronounced with a short "e" sound. This word means a deserved punishment or fate that one has brought upon themselves. It is often used to describe a situation where someone gets what they deserve after behaving badly or unfairly towards others.
Comeuppance is a noun that refers to the well-deserved punishment or just consequences faced by someone who has previously done wrong or caused harm to others. It is characterized by a sense of poetic justice, where the outcome aligns with the perpetrator's actions, leading to their downfall or humiliation.
Originating from the phrase "come up with a stanch," which means to receive one's due or face the deserved outcome, comeuppance highlights a sense of retribution or karmic justice. It implies that individuals will eventually face the repercussions of their negative behaviors or unethical actions.
Often associated with tales of retribution, comeuppance manifests in various forms. It can depict someone who constantly mistreats their peers inevitably facing social isolation or professional setbacks. Alternatively, it can capture the downfall of a person who engages in fraudulent or malicious activities, leading to legal consequences or public exposure.
This term is frequently used when discussing morality, ethics, or fairness, and implies that wrongdoing will ultimately be rectified. Comeuppance serves as a reminder that actions have consequences and provides a sense of satisfaction or fulfillment when witnessing fairness prevail. In stories and narratives, comeuppance can be utilized to create a satisfying conclusion or resolution, delivering a sense of closure to audiences.
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The word "comeuppance" originated in the United States in the late 19th century. It is believed to have derived from the phrase "come up", which means to appear before someone or to be called to account for one's actions. The addition of the suffix "-ance" creates a noun form, giving "comeuppance" the meaning of receiving deserved punishment or retribution for wrongdoing. While the precise etymology is uncertain, it is believed to be a blend of various dialectal and colloquial expressions.