Definition

Describing a situation where something is less exciting or impressive than expected, often after a buildup of anticipation.

Example

The movie's ending was anticlimactical, leaving the audience disappointed after the thrilling buildup.

Conversation

Did you see that movie everyone was talking about?

Yeah, I was really excited, but it felt a bit anticlimactical in the end.

I know, right? After all that buildup, I expected something more thrilling.

Exactly! It was such a letdown after the amazing trailers.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Anticlimactical is formed from "anti-" (meaning against) and "climax" (from Greek "klimax", meaning ladder or a point of highest intensity). The suffix "-ical" (meaning pertaining to) indicates that it relates to the concept of climax. Thus, anticlimactical refers to something that is against or contrary to a climax, often describing a disappointing or unsatisfying conclusion.

Memory Tip

Think of 'anti-' meaning against and 'climax' as the peak or high point — so anticlimactical describes something that goes against the expected high point, leading to a letdown.

Visually Confused Words