Hackneyed

Hackneyed (adjective) describes a phrase, idea, or subject that has been used so often and so frequently that it has become stale, unoriginal, and lacking in freshness or impact. It implies a lack of creativity and inventiveness, suggesting that the concept has lost its power to evoke interest or emotion due to overuse. It's often applied to expressions, plots, or themes that have become predictable and worn out through repeated use.

Hackneyed meaning with examples

• The plot of the movie was entirely Hackneyed, relying on tired tropes and predictable twists that offered nothing new or exciting to the audience.
• His speech was filled with Hackneyed phrases about 'thinking outside the box' and 'synergy,' making it difficult to take his message seriously.
• The romantic comedy's storyline, centering around a chance encounter and eventual marriage, felt Hackneyed and devoid of genuine emotion.
• The band's lyrics were criticized for being Hackneyed and repetitive, rehashing the same old themes of love and heartbreak with no originality.
• Using the phrase 'a picture is worth a thousand words' is now hackneyed; try to be more creative in your writing to make the message more effective.