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Definitions

anticlimactic

[an-tee-klahy-mak-tik, -kluh-, an-tahy-] / ˌæn ti klaɪˈmæk tɪk, -klə-, ˌæn taɪ- /
ADJECTIVE
ineffective
Synonyms
STRONGEST
feeble fruitless futile impotent inadequate incompetent indecisive ineffectual inefficient inept limited null powerless unable unproductive unprofitable unsuccessful worthless
WEAK
abortive barren bootless defeasible emasculate epicene feckless forceless idle inefficacious inferior innocuous inoperative lame neutralized no-go not effective nugatory paltry slack-spined spineless unavailable unavailing unfruitful vain void withered
Antonyms
STRONGEST
able adequate capable competent dexterous effective effectual efficient expert fit fruitful potent powerful productive profitable skillful strong successful sufficient useful valuable worthwhile worthy
ADJECTIVE
ineffective/ineffectual
Synonyms
WEAK
abortive barren bootless defeasible feckless feeble forceless fruitless futile idle impotent inadequate incompetent indecisive inefficacious inefficient inept inferior innocuous inoperative invertebrate lame limited neutralized nugatory null null and void paltry powerless spineless unable unavailing unfruitful unproductive unprofitable unsuccessful vain void withered worthless
Antonyms
WEAK
competent effective effectual efficient powerful strong useful
ADJECTIVE
inefficacious
Synonyms
WEAK
abortive barren bootless defeasible feckless feeble forceless fruitless futile idle impotent inadequate incompetent indecisive ineffective inefficient inept inferior innocuous inoperative invertebrate lame limited neutralized nugatory null null and void paltry powerless spineless unable unavailing unfruitful unproductive unprofitable unsuccessful useless vain void withered worthless

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For those who don’t follow industry shenanigans too closely, this result seemed to land as a bit of an anticlimactic “Who?”

From Slate • Feb. 4, 2026

Even the announcement of the Ashes squad was an anticlimactic foreshadowing of things to come.

From BBC • Dec. 21, 2025

Unlike the dramatic muscle work that had come before, this was neutral, a bit anticlimactic.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2025

After the Tut treasures, the rest of the museum, whose remaining 94,000-odd objects are spread over a dozen galleries in a mixed thematic and chronological display, can feel a touch anticlimactic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 5, 2025

And so I treated the swearing-in ceremony like it was a movie with an exhaustingly slow build and an anticlimactic ending.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi