midlife crisis

noun

1. a period of psychological stress occurring in middle age, thought to be triggered by a physical, occupational, or domestic event, as menopause, diminution of physical prowess, job loss, or departure of children from the home.

midlife crisis

/ ˈmɪdˌlaɪf /

noun

1. a crisis that may be experienced in middle age involving frustration, panic, and feelings of pointlessness, sometimes resulting in radical and often ill-advised changes of lifestyle

Word History and Origins

Origin of midlife crisis¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Then we cut to Ted, mid-midlife crisis, who abruptly decides to cut the jets while piloting Sunkist clients over NorCal.

From The Daily Beast

Ted Thompson is concerned with the “if not before,” which is to say the midlife crisis.

From The Daily Beast

Now, however, the VMAs are facing a bit of a midlife crisis.

From The Daily Beast

Burning money trying to become “cooler” ends up looking something like the metropolitan equivalent to a midlife crisis.

From The Daily Beast

As I continue to bring up the term “midlife crisis,” I can almost hear Reynolds cringe through the phone.

From The Daily Beast