anticlimax

[ an-ti-klahy-maks ]
/ ˌæn tɪˈklaɪ mæks /

noun

an event, conclusion, statement, etc., that is far less important, powerful, or striking than expected.
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.
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.”

Origin of anticlimax

First recorded in 1720–30; anti- + climax

Example sentences from the Web for anticlimax

British Dictionary definitions for anticlimax

anticlimax
/ (ˌæntɪˈklaɪmæks) /

noun

a disappointing or ineffective conclusion to a series of events, etc
a sudden change from a serious subject to one that is disappointing or ludicrous
rhetoric a descent in discourse from the significant or important to the trivial, inconsequential, etc

Derived forms of anticlimax

anticlimactic (ˌæntɪklaɪˈmæktɪk), adjective anticlimactically, adverb