hackneyed
Stale from overuse
Hackneyed describes language or ideas that have become stale through overuse.
A hackneyed phrase or hackneyed expression was once fresh but has been repeated so often it no longer carries impact: The speech was full of hackneyed platitudes about following your dreams.
The word comes from hackney horses—rental mounts so heavily used they became worn out.
Overused, lacking freshness
- clichédOverused to meaninglessness
- banalUnoriginal and dull
- platitudinousOverused and unoriginal
- derivativeFunction's rate of change
stereotyped · formulaic · predictable · uninspired · prosaic · vapid · insipid · commonplace
Depleted through overuse
- tiredLacking energy, needing rest
- threadbareWorn until transparent
- shopwornDeteriorated from display
- overworkedLaboring beyond healthy limits
well-worn · rehashed · beaten · exhausted · stale · overdone · warmed-over · recycled
Trite, overused remark
- clichéOverused, unoriginal expression
- bromideOverused phrase or chemical
- chestnutOverused joke or edible nut
- tropeRecurring narrative device
catchphrase · truism · banality · saw · adage · slogan · buzzword · canard
Tiresomely familiar, unfashionable
- timewornDegraded through long existence
- moth-eatenDamaged by insect larvae
- antiquatedOld and outdated
- outmodedNo longer in fashion
fusty · musty · dated · passé · obsolescent · moldy · cobwebby · creaky
trite
Overused, lacking freshness
- clichédOverused to meaninglessness
- banalUnoriginal and dull
- platitudinousOverused and unoriginal
derivative · stereotyped · formulaic · predictable · uninspired · prosaic · vapid · insipid · commonplace · mundane
worn-out
Depleted through overuse
- tiredLacking energy, needing rest
- threadbareWorn until transparent
- shopwornDeteriorated from display
overworked · well-worn · rehashed · beaten · exhausted · stale · overdone · warmed-over · recycled · repeated
platitude
Trite, overused remark
- clichéOverused, unoriginal expression
- bromideOverused phrase or chemical
- chestnutOverused joke or edible nut
trope · catchphrase · truism · banality · saw · adage · slogan · buzzword · canard · shibboleth
old-hat
Tiresomely familiar, unfashionable
- timewornDegraded through long existence
- moth-eatenDamaged by insect larvae
- antiquatedOld and outdated
outmoded · fusty · musty · dated · passé · obsolescent · moldy · cobwebby · creaky · hoary
- sentimentalitymawkish, schmaltzy, saccharine, treacly, cloying
- descriptorsnew, novel, original, innovative, modern
- theatricaltheatrical, dramatic, melodramatic, histrionic, hammy
hackneyednew
Recently created or begun
unfamiliar · unprecedented · unheard-of · unknown · strange
hackneyedengaging
Pleasantly attractive, compelling attention
gripping · captivating · riveting · compelling · exciting
- hackney cabsLicensed public hire vehicles
- hackneyed sayingTrite overused expression