Less exciting or impressive than expected; a disappointing ending that doesn't match the buildup or anticipation.
From anti- (against) + climactic (from climax, ultimate point). Coined in 19th century to describe literary and narrative devices where expectations fail to materialize.
This word is everywhere in modern criticism—every blockbuster movie gets called anticlimactic if the ending doesn't live up to the trailer's promises, showing how central narrative excitement is to us.
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