anticlimax

noun
UK: /ˌæntiˈklaɪmæks/
US: /ˌæntaɪˈklaɪmæks/

  1. A disappointing end to something exciting.

    1. The ending of the movie was a real anticlimax. [ ] [ ]
    2. After weeks of anticipation, the party was an anticlimax. [ ] [ ]

  2. A sudden change from a serious subject to one that is silly or not important.

    1. The speech started well, but then it descended into anticlimax. [ ] [ ]
    2. The play's climax was ruined by a sudden anticlimax. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

letdown disappointment bathos lame
anticlimax intransitive-verb

  1. To be a disappointing end to something.

    1. The game anticlimaxes after the exciting first half. [ ] [ ]
    2. The performance anticlimaxes after the star's departure, losing its appeal. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "anticlimax" in English means: A disappointing end to something exciting., A sudden change from a serious subject to one that is silly or not important..

The phonetic transcription of "anticlimax" is /ˌæntiˈklaɪmæks/ in British English and /ˌæntaɪˈklaɪmæks/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "anticlimax": letdown, disappointment, bathos, lame.

Example usage of "anticlimax": "The ending of the movie was a real anticlimax.". More examples on the page.