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

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

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2025

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

From Salon • Oct. 15, 2024

Indeed, the end even of a great mystery can feel like an anticlimax.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2023

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

From Seattle Times • Apr. 22, 2023

This seemed to Mrs. Hubbard to be a dramatic climax rather than an anticlimax.

From "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie

Related Words

• letdown