anticlimactic

[ an-tee-klahy-mak-tik, -kluh-, an-tahy- ]

adjective

1. of, like, pertaining to, or expressing anticlimax.

Other Words From

• anti·cli·macti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of anticlimactic¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; anti + climactic

Example Sentences

Only two of those spots remain unclaimed, but that hardly makes this Decision Day anticlimactic.

From Los Angeles Times

It will feel anticlimactic, and for good reason.

From Los Angeles Times

After weeks of preparing myself for the emotions of “the last first day,” the start of my youngest child’s senior year was distinctly anticlimactic.

From Los Angeles Times

But a show that tells its story over eight or 10 episodes, just to fill that space, can go off the rails with unnecessary side plots or flashbacks or anticlimactic pacing.

From Los Angeles Times

The ending, in which a male dancer is gradually abandoned by the others, feels a little anticlimactic.

From New York Times

Related Words

• feeble
• fruitless
• futile
• impotent
• inadequate
• incompetent
• indecisive
• ineffectual
• inefficient
• inept
• limited
• null
• powerless
• unable
• unproductive
• unprofitable
• unsuccessful
• worthless