midlife crisis

noun

: a period of emotional turmoil in middle age characterized especially by a strong desire for change

Examples of midlife crisis in a Sentence

We knew he was going through a midlife crisis when he bought a new sports car.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Fey and fellow 30 Rock writers Tracey Wigfield and Lang Fisher have adapted The Four Seasons, Alan Alda’s 1981 comedy about boomers navigating midlife crises, as a Netflix series out May 1. Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2025 This must be the least interesting midlife crisis of all time. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 The fourth installment, Shrek Forever After (2010), explores Shrek’s midlife crisis and his wish to erase his past. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2025 Growth is what a midlife crisis boils down to—and that's not a bad thing. Ricardo Madan, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for midlife crisis

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of midlife crisis was in 1965

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Cite this Entry

“Midlife crisis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/midlife%20crisis. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

midlife crisis

noun
: a period of emotional turmoil in middle age caused by the realization that one is no longer young and characterized especially by a strong desire for change
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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