anticlimax

UK: /ˌæntiˈklaɪmæks/

US: /ˌæntiˈklaɪmæks, ˌæntaɪ-/

US: (an′ti klī′maks)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

an•ti•cli•max /ˌæntiˈklaɪmæks, ˌæntaɪ-/   n. 

1. something that is far less important, powerful, or striking than expected; a letdown or disappointment:
   [countable] After a great series, the final, losing game was an anticlimax.
2. descent in power, quality, or dignity:
   [uncountable] a weary sense of anticlimax.

an•ti•cli•mac•tic /ˌæntiklaɪˈmæktɪk, -klə-, ˌæntaɪ-/  adj. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

an•ti•cli•max  (an′ti klī′maks), n. 

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.''

• anti- + climax 1720–30

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

anticlimax / 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

anticlimactic / ˌæntɪklaɪˈmæktɪk/, anticlimactical / ˌæntɪklaɪˈmæktɪkəl/ adjective