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.
And in this particular version of her midlife crisis, the Olympic skater learns to have fun. — Sports Columnist, San Francisco Chronicle, 15 Feb. 2026 Clark, alone on the swing, his midlife crisis ending with a whimper, not a bang, his billboards graffitied. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2026 The Rock looks like a dad who’s experiencing a late midlife crisis who’s trying to recapture his glory days. — Julianna Duennes Russ, Austin American Statesman, 24 Mar. 2026 Now pushing 40 and navigating various midlife crises, the women are ensnared in a tangle of new and old mysteries. — Judy Berman, Time, 13 Feb. 2026 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

Rhymes for midlife crisis

See All Rhymes for midlife crisis

Browse Nearby Words

midlife
midlife crisis
midline
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Cite this Entry

“Midlife crisis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/midlife%20crisis. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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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