anticlimax

[ an-ti-klahy-maks ]

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.”

anticlimax

/ 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

Derived Forms

• anticlimactic, adjective
• ˌanticliˈmactically, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of anticlimax¹

First recorded in 1720–30; anti- + climax

Example Sentences

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

From Salon

At last to the closing ceremony: It was almost by definition an anticlimax, given that the games were over — if not yet “officially” over — and every race had been run, if only just barely.

From Los Angeles Times

Until Friday, at least, the cable news coverage of the first criminal trial of a former president carried a hint of anticlimax.

From New York Times

But in many ways, Trump’s criminal trials are a type of anticlimax.

From Salon

Eilish and her brother worked “What Was I Made For?” so hard over this awards cycle that the song’s tolling chords almost felt like an anticlimax as O’Connell started into them once again Sunday.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• letdown