anticlimax

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "anticlimax" is correct and usable in written English.
An "anticlimax" is an event, situation, or statement that is far less important or intense than what was expected. For example, after months of preparation for a big event, it ended up being an anticlimax as it was much smaller and less exciting than originally anticipated.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a bad song, but the announcement was always going to be laden with anticlimax.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

As for Everton, this display felt like something of an anticlimax on the back of their superb victory over Manchester United last Sunday.

The Guardian - Sport

When they leak that something dreadful is going to happen, it's bound to be an anticlimax.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mario's Miracle, while devastating, was practically anticlimax.

The Guardian - Sport

Indeed, if the boson's properties obey the strictures laid down for it by Peter Higgs and the other physicists who predicted it way back in the 1960s, the moment of discovery may turn out to be something of an anticlimax.

The Economist

For everyone else, the only point worth debating was which represented a more disappointing anticlimax: the widely anticipated outcome (local bookmakers had given Mr Mayweather around a 70% chance to win), or the mind-numbing fashion in which it materialised.

The Economist

IN THE end it was a great anticlimax.

The Economist

Despite all the fears about riots and coups in the wake of the result, an eerie quiet descended on the capital a portent, perhaps, of a calmer and more stable future for south-east Asia's second-largest economy.The principal reason for this welcome anticlimax was the margin of victory, so large that no one could argue with it.

The Economist

THE election date had been an open secret for so long that its announcement this week might have come as an anticlimax.

The Economist

And since political acrimony is almost bound to be lingering on, an understated Inauguration Day may be just the mild anticlimax that is needed.

The Economist

"THERE is no way to…cushion the disappointment and sense of anticlimax," writes Carla Del Ponte, the former chief prosecutor of the UN's Yugoslav war crimes tribunal, "because the simple fact of failure is the simple fact of failure".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "anticlimax" to describe situations where expectations are significantly higher than the actual outcome, creating a sense of disappointment or underachievement.

Common error

Avoid using "anticlimax" when the situation is simply ordinary or uneventful; it's best reserved for scenarios where a build-up of anticipation is followed by a noticeably underwhelming result.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "anticlimax" is as a noun, denoting a disappointing or abrupt shift from an important or intense event to something trivial or underwhelming. Ludwig AI confirms this usage aligns with standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "anticlimax" functions as a noun to describe a disappointing or underwhelming outcome that fails to meet expectations. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news, media, and encyclopedic contexts. While suitable for neutral and formal registers, it’s important to reserve its usage for situations where there’s a marked contrast between anticipation and reality, avoiding application to merely ordinary events. Using related phrases like "disappointing conclusion" or "underwhelming finale" can add nuance. As numerous examples in Ludwig demonstrate, mastering its usage enhances clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anti-climax

A hyphenated variation with the same meaning and slightly different spelling.

disappointing letdown

Combines the feelings of disappointment and lowered expectations.

unsatisfying resolution

Highlights the lack of fulfillment or closure.

disappointing conclusion

Focuses on the negative feeling associated with the end result.

underwhelming finale

Highlights that the final part was not as impressive as anticipated.

flat ending

Emphasizes the lack of excitement or impact in the conclusion.

feeble climax

Emphasizes the lack of strength or intensity in the high point.

lame conclusion

Informal term suggesting the ending was weak or uninspired.

non-event

Suggests that an anticipated event failed to deliver any significant impact.

abortive culmination

Suggests a failed or incomplete high point.

FAQs

How to use "anticlimax" in a sentence?

You can use "anticlimax" to describe an event or situation that is strikingly less exciting or significant than expected. For instance, "The long-awaited announcement turned out to be an "anticlimax"."

What can I say instead of "anticlimax"?

You can use alternatives like "disappointing conclusion", "underwhelming finale", or "flat ending" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "anticlimax" or "climax"?

"Anticlimax" and "climax" are antonyms. "Climax" refers to the most exciting or important part of something, while "anticlimax" refers to a disappointing or less significant outcome after a build-up.

What's the difference between "anticlimax" and "bathos"?

"Anticlimax" is a general term for a disappointing outcome. "Bathos" is a specific type of "anticlimax" that involves a sudden shift from a serious or elevated subject to a trivial or ridiculous one, often for humorous effect.