ScienceJuly 10, 2026
comeuppance
/ˌkʌmˈʌpəns/
Definition
A deserved or fitting punishment for an action, often implying a sense of ironic retribution.
Etymology
The word originated in the mid-19th century in the United States, combining 'come up' with the suffix '-ance.' It likely refers to the notion of someone being summoned to 'come up' before a judge or authority to receive their deserved penalty.
In the news
In the article, the brown dwarf that disrupts other planets is destined to eventually suffer the same fate, acting as a form of cosmic payback for its destructive behavior.
This Star Just Ate a Planet, and It’s Not Done Yet
Read the full article ↗The New York Times