nonoriginal
Copied from elsewhere
Nonoriginal describes something that lacks originality—derivative, copied, or not the first of its kind.
A nonoriginal idea borrows from existing sources.
Nonoriginal parts for a car are replacements not made by the original manufacturer: The mechanic used nonoriginal brake pads to save money.
The term is neutral, simply indicating something isn't the original rather than condemning it as unimaginative.
Overused, lacking freshness
- hackneyedOverused and unoriginal
- staleNo longer fresh
- tiredLacking energy, needing rest
- overusedEmployed too frequently
commonplace · platitudinous · threadbare · worn-out · shopworn · bromidic · corny · hoary
Unattributed use of others' work
- counterfeitFraudulent imitation
- forgeryCreating fraudulent imitations
- replicaFaithful scaled reproduction
- duplicateExact replica of original
clone · reproduction · facsimile · knockoff · imitation · copycat · carbon-copy · simulacrum
Restate without freshness
- secondhandHaving had prior ownership
- borrowedTaken for temporary use
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
- pasticheImitative artistic tribute
homage · tribute · reworking · reinterpretation · spinoff · sequel · remix · sampling
trite
Overused, lacking freshness
overused · commonplace · platitudinous · threadbare · worn-out · shopworn · bromidic · corny · hoary · old-hat
plagiarism
Unattributed use of others' work
- counterfeitFraudulent imitation
- forgeryCreating fraudulent imitations
- replicaFaithful scaled reproduction
duplicate · clone · reproduction · facsimile · knockoff · imitation · copycat · carbon-copy · simulacrum · doppelganger
rehash
Restate without freshness
- secondhandHaving had prior ownership
- borrowedTaken for temporary use
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
pastiche · homage · tribute · reworking · reinterpretation · spinoff · sequel · remix · sampling · influenced
nonoriginaloriginal
First or inventive
creative · innovative · inventive · novel · imaginative
original, origin, originality, originate, unoriginal, originated, originator, originating, aboriginal