Waterloo
/ˌwɔːtəˈluː/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: Waterloos
Meaning · English
Often in the term meet one's Waterloo: a notable and decisive defeat following an encounter with a powerful opponent or a problem that is too difficult.
Noun
Examples
He flung his dime at a newsboy, got his Express, propped his back against the truck, and was at once rapt in the account of his Waterloo as expanded by the ingenious press.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “Waterloo” mean?
Often in the term meet one's Waterloo: a notable and decisive defeat following an encounter with a powerful opponent or a problem that is too difficult.
Is “Waterloo” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.