General
anti-climax
What does anti-climax mean?
A disappointing, flat ending or outcome that fails to live up to the excitement and expectation that preceded it.
"After all the hype, the final was a total anti-climax."
Origin
General English term applied to sport; the opposite of a climax, when an anticipated peak fizzles into disappointment.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'anti-climax' mean in sport?
It's a flat, disappointing outcome that fails to match the excitement and expectation built up beforehand, such as a hyped final ending dully.
What is the opposite of an anti-climax?
A thrilling, dramatic finish that lives up to or exceeds the build-up — a genuine climax.
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.
