Hackneyed: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something that was once interesting or meaningful but has become dull and meaningless due to overuse.

• The plot of the movie was so hackneyed that I could predict every twist.
• His hackneyed expressions made the speech less impactful.

Describes something that is overused and consequently lacks originality or is boring.

• His trite comments on the weather made the conversation tedious.
• The romantic storyline in the movie felt so trite and predictable.

Refers to something that is boring, ordinary, and lacking in originality.

• Her presentation was filled with banal observations.
• The dialog in the novel was so banal that it was hard to stay engaged.

Used for describing something that has lost its freshness, interest, or excitement, often after being used too much. Can apply to both physical things (like bread) and abstract concepts (like ideas).

• The comedian's material was so stale that the audience barely reacted.
• Their relationship had become stale, with nothing new or exciting to talk about.

Describes something that is supposed to be funny or sentimental but is actually cheesy and old-fashioned. Usually used in a light-hearted or playful manner.

• That joke was a bit corny, but it made me laugh.
• His corny pickup lines never seem to work.

Used to describe statements that are dull, cliched, and lack any significant thought or originality.

• The speech was filled with platitudinous remarks about 'working hard' and 'staying positive'.
• Her comments were so platitudinous that they added no real value to the discussion.

This word is best used when describing ideas, phrases, or expressions that have been overused to the point of losing their originality and impact. It has a negative connotation.

• The story's plot was interesting, but the dialogue was full of hackneyed clichés.
• Her speech was filled with hackneyed phrases and lacked any fresh ideas.

Best used for something that lacks creativity or is copied from others. It has a direct and somewhat negative connotation.

• The movie was criticized for being unoriginal and relying heavily on old tropes.
• Her painting was unoriginal and looked like a copy of several famous artworks.

This is suitable for describing something that has lost its freshness, excitement, or relevance, particularly ideas, jokes, or food. The word can have a slightly negative connotation.

• The comedian's jokes were stale and didn't get much laughter from the audience.
• The bread has gone stale after being left out for a few days.

Use this when referring to something that is ordinary, frequent, or commonly found. This word does not necessarily carry a negative connotation.

• It is commonplace to see people using smartphones everywhere nowadays.
• His ideas were so commonplace that no one found them particularly noteworthy.

Typically used to describe something that is worn out or shabby due to overuse. It can refer to physical objects like clothing or abstract ideas and has a negative connotation.

• He continued to wear his threadbare coat despite its many holes.
• Their arguments in favor of the policy were threadbare and unconvincing.

This word is used for something that shows the effects of aging or long use. It can refer to both physical objects and ideas. It has a nostalgic or mildly negative connotation.

• The timeworn photograph evoked a sense of nostalgia.
• His timeworn arguments didn't hold up well in the debate.