anticlimax

[an-ti-klahy-maks]

noun

1. an event, conclusion, statement, etc., that is far less important, powerful, or striking than expected.

2. a descent in power, quality, dignity, etc.; a disappointing, weak, or inglorious conclusion.

   After serving as president, he may find life in retirement an anticlimax.

3. a noticeable or ludicrous descent from lofty ideas or expressions to banalities or commonplace remarks.

   We were amused by the anticlimax of the company's motto: “For God, for country, and for Acme Gasworks.”

anticlimax

/ ˌæntɪklaɪˈmæktɪk, ˌæntɪˈklaɪmæks /

noun

1. a disappointing or ineffective conclusion to a series of events, etc

2. a sudden change from a serious subject to one that is disappointing or ludicrous

3. rhetoric a descent in discourse from the significant or important to the trivial, inconsequential, etc

Other Word Forms

• anticlimactic adjective
• anticlimactically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of anticlimax¹

First recorded in 1720–30; anti- + climax

Example Sentences

In 2017, the Lions and New Zealand shared the series after the deciding third Test finished 15-15, with captain Sam Warburton saying it was "a bit of an anticlimax for the players".

Read more on BBC

There have been mixed reviews of the concert with Pulp guitarist Mark Webber telling BBC 6 Music describing the show as "a slight anticlimax".

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Obviously, another book at this time about exactly the same subject would be a sad anticlimax!

Read more on Salon

At last to the closing ceremony: It was almost by definition an anticlimax, given that the games were over — if not yet “officially” over — and every race had been run, if only just barely.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Until Friday, at least, the cable news coverage of the first criminal trial of a former president carried a hint of anticlimax.

Read more on New York Times

Related Words

• letdown