anticlimax

American  

[an-ti-klahy-maks] / ˌæn tɪˈklaɪ mæks /

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.”

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anticlimax British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• anticlimactic adjective
• anticlimactically adverb

Etymology

Origin of anticlimax

First recorded in 1720–30; anti- + climax

Example Sentences

In plot, too, “Berlin” is a Woolfian mirror: Red herrings and cliffhangers stoke interest by conforming to expectations, until the novel undercuts them with digressions and anticlimaxes, reveling in its own formal impunity.

From New York Times

Getting that far only to lose in six after the epic Colorado series, again, would have seemed an anticlimax.

From Seattle Times

But once again, anticlimax reared its ugly head, dousing the enthusiasm one final time.

From Seattle Times

That three-song suite that concludes “Ocean Blvd” can certainly feel like an anticlimax, or a retreat from the existential questions posed in its opening movement.

From New York Times

Still, the ending is a bit of an anticlimax, as Sterling-Duprey — now festooned with colorful neckties, the ribbons of Oya — finally joins with the musicians and does a few of Oya’s steps.

From New York Times

Related Words

• letdown