Anticlimax
noun
A disappointing end to an exciting or impressive series of events.
After such a buildup, the actual concert was something of an anticlimax.
Often appears as...
- something of an anticlimax
- prove to be an anticlimax
noun
In writing or speaking, a sudden transition from a significant idea or theme to a trivial or humorous one.
The story reaches an anticlimax when the main character leaves the battle to discuss his lunch.
Often appears as...
- reach an anticlimax
- abrupt anticlimax
Usage tips
Literary
noun
A disappointing end to an exciting or impressive series of events.
After such a buildup, the actual concert was something of an anticlimax.
Often appears as...
- something of an anticlimax
- prove to be an anticlimax
noun
In writing or speaking, a sudden transition from a significant idea or theme to a trivial or humorous one.
The story reaches an anticlimax when the main character leaves the battle to discuss his lunch.
Often appears as...
- reach an anticlimax
- abrupt anticlimax
Usage tips
Literary
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Expectation vs. Reality
Use 'anticlimax' when something turns out less exciting or satisfying than expected, especially after a buildup.
Winning the minor prize was an anticlimax after all the hype.
Pro Tip 2/3Narrative Tone
In stories or events, 'anticlimax' conveys a sense of letdown that affects the audience's emotions.
The movie’s ending was an anticlimax, leaving viewers unsatisfied.
Pro Tip 3/3Subdued Outcome
'Anticlimax' often involves a resolution that seems trivial compared to the preceding tension.
The much-feared storm passed, proving to be an anticlimax.
Pro Tip 1/3Expectation vs. Reality
Use 'anticlimax' when something turns out less exciting or satisfying than expected, especially after a buildup.
Winning the minor prize was an anticlimax after all the hype.
Pro Tip 2/3Narrative Tone
In stories or events, 'anticlimax' conveys a sense of letdown that affects the audience's emotions.
The movie’s ending was an anticlimax, leaving viewers unsatisfied.
Pro Tip 3/3Subdued Outcome
'Anticlimax' often involves a resolution that seems trivial compared to the preceding tension.
The much-feared storm passed, proving to be an anticlimax.
Pro Tip 1/3Expectation vs. Reality
Use 'anticlimax' when something turns out less exciting or satisfying than expected, especially after a buildup.
Winning the minor prize was an anticlimax after all the hype.
Pro Tip 2/3Narrative Tone
In stories or events, 'anticlimax' conveys a sense of letdown that affects the audience's emotions.
The movie’s ending was an anticlimax, leaving viewers unsatisfied.
Pro Tip 3/3Subdued Outcome
'Anticlimax' often involves a resolution that seems trivial compared to the preceding tension.
The much-feared storm passed, proving to be an anticlimax.
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Video examples
Safari Live - Day 158 PIPE...
anticlimax but it's still nice to have him I thought those tracks were a little bit large meself hello hello now we had those male leopard tracks you know what Herbert said lost
Video examples
Billy Graham:...
for about 10 seconds, and he said, "My, what an anticlimax!" I hope that you won't feel that these few moments with me is not a -- is an anticlimax,
Video examples
Safari Live - Day 158 PIPE...
anticlimax but it's still nice to have him I thought those tracks were a little bit large meself hello hello now we had those male leopard tracks you know what Herbert said lost
Video examples
Billy Graham:...
for about 10 seconds, and he said, "My, what an anticlimax!" I hope that you won't feel that these few moments with me is not a -- is an anticlimax,
Example 1 of 2
Quote examples
Howard Jacobson
British Novelist
In anticipation of a meal - supposing we are with the ideal companion at the best table in the perfect restaurant - we might indeed postpone sadness. And maybe even halfway through, we will remain in tolerably high spirits, with dessert still to come. But as we near the end of eating, we begin to feel anticipatory twinges of anticlimax.
Quote examples
Geoff Dyer
English Writer
There's one profound difference between secular and religious pilgrimages. It's inconceivable that a Muslim would feel a sense of anticlimax when reaching Mecca. But for a secular pilgrim, the potential for disappointment is always there.
Quote examples
Howard Jacobson
British Novelist
Imagine the anticlimax of opening a novel you'd just got Dostoyevsky to sign and finding 'Keep smiling - Fyodor.
Quote examples
Maya Angelou
American Poet
Achievement brings its own anticlimax.
Quote examples
Howard Jacobson
British Novelist
In anticipation of a meal - supposing we are with the ideal companion at the best table in the perfect restaurant - we might indeed postpone sadness. And maybe even halfway through, we will remain in tolerably high spirits, with dessert still to come. But as we near the end of eating, we begin to feel anticipatory twinges of anticlimax.
Quote examples
Geoff Dyer
English Writer
There's one profound difference between secular and religious pilgrimages. It's inconceivable that a Muslim would feel a sense of anticlimax when reaching Mecca. But for a secular pilgrim, the potential for disappointment is always there.
Quote examples
Howard Jacobson
British Novelist
Imagine the anticlimax of opening a novel you'd just got Dostoyevsky to sign and finding 'Keep smiling - Fyodor.
Quote examples
Maya Angelou
American Poet
Achievement brings its own anticlimax.
Example 1 of 4
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