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anticlimax

anticlimax

2 7.0
A disappointing end after a long build up of excitement
  • noun
  • /ˌæn.tɪˈklaɪ.mæks/
translation icon : anticlimax
  • A post-party atmosphere permeated the room, a feeling that combined anticlimax and relief with the smell of a little stale cigarette smoke and leftover beer.
  • almost an anticlimax
  • sense of anticlimax
  • feeling of anticlimax

So a lot of men experience that kind of anticlimax.

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Examples

  • The movie built up to a thrilling climax, but the ending was such an anticlimax that I left feeling disappointed.

  • And honestly, it was a bit of an anticlimax because it only meant for now.

  • The actual publication date of her book had been an anticlimax.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • I'm afraid it will seem like an anticlimax.

  • Given everything that happened the weekend of Candy's wedding, moving had almost been an anticlimax.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • In the aftermath of 1989's collapse of communism, a similar feeling of anticlimax has succeeded initial euphoria.

    Academic text (1994)
  • By the time she arrived in Hoboken, the day had turned warmer and milder, and she was left with a feeling of anticlimax as she stepped onto the pier.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • His departure left an emptiness, a flatness, a sense of anticlimax, and it was always something of an effort to get down to day-to-day living again and cope with all the tedious demands of simply keeping the house going.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • After all the excitement of the concert, the final song felt like an anticlimax.

  • The announcement of the new policy ended up being an anticlimax after all the hype surrounding it.

Synonyms

bad ending
vsanticlimax
2 3.7

A disappointing finish to a story, event, or experience

occurs after a big build-up and reduces expected excitement
bathos
vsanticlimax
  • Literature
9.9

A sudden drop from a serious feeling to something silly in a speech or story

focuses on a letdown after buildup rather than a comic accidental tone drop

Antonyms

38 3.7

The most intense point in a process, event, or story

How Anticlimactic

anticlimax
2 7.0
disappointment
223 1.7

Surface Forms

anticlimax singular
anticlimaxes plural

Morphology

anticlimax = climax (transparent) = anti + climax

The word clearly combines anti- with climax to mean the opposite of a climax, namely a disappointing falling-off after the high point.

Etymology

Anticlimax comes from the parts anti- meaning 'opposite' and climax meaning 'the high point' or most exciting part, so it literally names the 'opposite of the high point'. That's why an anticlimax is a disappointing or less exciting ending.