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

Because of longer life expectancies, the onset of symptoms thankfully was not static at 35, but regardless of when people entered their midlife crisis, evidence of the phenomenon was observed around the world. —Tristan Bove, Fortune, 29 Jan. 2026

On some level, this is a self-help book about midlife crises. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 28 Jan. 2026

Five women staring down various midlife crises, including, but not limited to, menopause, decide to form a rock band, a move normally reserved for their male counterparts. —Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026

Since that early midlife crisis, Alonso has found his way as a fine artist, now showing his work at the Art & History Museums of Maitland in a new exhibition. —Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for midlife crisis

• ecdysis
• haemoptysis
• hemoptysis
• lysis
• phthisis

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