Definition of Anticlimax
Quick Meaning of Anticlimax
A letdown or disappointing ending that follows something exciting or important; the opposite of a satisfying climax.
Detailed Definition of Anticlimax
A disappointing decline in intensity or impact after a buildup of tension; an event that fails to meet expectations following a climax.
How to Pronounce Anticlimax
Stress pattern: ooOo (4-syllable word).
Tip: AN-ti-KLY-maks. Stress third syllable (KLY). Four syllables.
Watch out: Various mispronunciations; stress is ooOo.
Origin and Etymology of Anticlimax
From 'anti-' (against, opposite) + 'climax'. Emerged in English to describe failures of narrative impact.
How to Use Anticlimax in a Sentence
Each example shows “anticlimax” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
-
“The film's anticlimax undermined all the tension built during the action sequences.”
-
“After weeks of promotion, the product launch was a complete anticlimax.”
-
“The detective novel's anticlimax—a mundane explanation—disappointed readers expecting a shocking revelation.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Anticlimax
Common Synonyms for Anticlimax
Smart Synonyms for Anticlimax — When to Use Each
- letdown
- General disappointment; less narrative-specific than anticlimax
- bathos
- Descent from sublime to trivial; more rhetorical term
- disappointment
- General emotion; broader than anticlimax
Antonyms of Anticlimax
Common Collocations with Anticlimax
These phrases pair with “anticlimax” in everyday English:
- complete anticlimax
- narrative anticlimax
- dramatic anticlimax
- disappointing anticlimax
Common Mistakes When Using Anticlimax
Even fluent speakers slip up with “anticlimax”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The anticlimax perfectly satisfied the audience's expectations.
- ✓ Correct: The anticlimax disappointed the audience after all the buildup.
- Why: Anticlimax by definition disappoints; satisfaction contradicts this.
- ✗ Wrong: The author skillfully crafted an anticlimax that thrilled readers.
- ✓ Correct: The author's anticlimax left readers feeling unfulfilled and let down.
- Why: Anticlimax fails to satisfy; thrilling it is not.
- ✗ Wrong: The anticlimax provided the dramatic intensity the story had promised.
- ✓ Correct: The anticlimax betrayed the story's promise of dramatic resolution.
- Why: Anticlimax fails to deliver promised intensity.
Words Confused With Anticlimax
Other Forms of Anticlimax
- Noun: anticlimax
Frequently Asked Questions About Anticlimax
What is the meaning of "Anticlimax"?
A letdown or disappointing ending that follows something exciting or important; the opposite of a satisfying climax.
How do you pronounce "Anticlimax"?
The IPA is /ˌæntɪˈklɪmæks/. AN-ti-KLY-maks. Stress third syllable (KLY). Four syllables.
What part of speech is "Anticlimax"?
"Anticlimax" is a noun at C2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Anticlimax"?
Common synonyms include letdown, disappointment, bathos.
How do you use "Anticlimax" in a sentence?
For example: "The film's anticlimax undermined all the tension built during the action sequences."