bane

bane [ beyn ]
[ noun ]

MEANING :
1. anything that spoils or ruins
2. anything that caused harm, destruction or death
3. a deadly poison
4. the source of one's exasperation or a persistent annoyance

USAGE EXAMPLE 1 :
Alcoholism was the bane of his family life.
USAGE EXAMPLE 2 :
Suspension-jarring, bike-toppling, ankle-turning potholes are the bane of road users and local authorities alike.