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

Is this a quiet, weirdly constructive midlife crisis?

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And while older men are sometimes accused of chasing a midlife crisis, older women are celebrated for embracing their fears.

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"I was 40 the year we planted - it was a midlife crisis."

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In a five-star review, the Telegraph's Robbie Collin described it as a "midlife crisis masterpiece", and highlighted the final scene as a "knockout".

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"Many have described it as a midlife crisis," Mr Conner joked.

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