hackneyed

USAGE SUMMARY

"hackneyed" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is overly familiar, overused, or trite. For example, "The phrase 'once in a blue moon' is hackneyed and has lost its original meaning due to overuse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Beckett's Molloy would later wrap himself in its pages and note its impermeability to farts, but the critic's words, if hackneyed, are not unfair or untrue. Which may have been one reason they stung).

The Guardian - Books

It is where you take your first step .A bit hackneyed, perhaps, but a pretty fair description of the state of affairs.

The Economist

Mr Brown banged on again about his background and his values: someone has obviously told him this stuff goes down well with a key part of the electorate, but to my ears it increasingly sounds hackneyed and cynical.

The Economist

This is the first English-language film for the director, Morten Tyldum, the man behind the successful Norwegian thriller "Headhunters", and one wonders whether he is fully aware of just how hackneyed some of these characters are.

The Economist

The picture he paints of Africa with a leopard calmly surveying the world from its grassy hillock is clichéd enough, but his China is positively hackneyed.

The Economist

There was a lot of truth in this reply, however hackneyed.

The Economist

That hackneyed teen pregnancy then became a cue to examine how a couple of everyday kids such as Lindsey and Rob might react to imminent adulthood, and whether their tender relationship would survive along the way.

Independent

People spend a fortune on getting professionals to film/shoot their weddings, and still the results can often look a bit hackneyed and staged.

Independent

Yes, it's an oldie, but a goodie – and although the joke may be hackneyed, it does illustrate that the idea of our country's finest football players enjoying immersing themselves in some Hemingway or Stephen King after training can seem a little far-fetched.

Independent

As restaurant names go, Captain's Galley might seem unoriginal, even hackneyed.

Independent

Permitting Jones, in his moment of glory, to pass off the plot of Psycho as some old folk tale, the twist he described was in its own way equally hackneyed.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hackneyed" sparingly in your own writing; being overly critical can make your tone seem condescending.

Common error

Don't overuse "hackneyed" as a general term for anything you dislike. It specifically refers to phrases or ideas that have become stale through overuse, not simply things that are poorly executed or unappealing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "hackneyed" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe them as lacking originality due to overuse, as illustrated by Ludwig in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Encyclopedias

20%

Books

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

5%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hackneyed" is an adjective used to describe something that is unoriginal and stale due to overuse. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media. When writing, it's crucial to remember that "hackneyed" applies specifically to overused phrases or ideas, not just anything you dislike. Alternatives like "trite" or "clichéd" can provide similar meaning with slightly different nuances. Use "hackneyed" precisely to critique unoriginality and avoid overusing it as a general term of disapproval. Be mindful of your tone and the specific context to ensure your criticism is both accurate and constructive. Authoritative sources like The Economist and The Guardian frequently employ this word, indicating its relevance in formal and analytical writing. Overall, "hackneyed" is a valuable tool for evaluating and improving the freshness and originality of written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trite

A simpler, one-word alternative emphasizing lack of originality and freshness.

clichéd

Similar meaning but specifically refers to something that has become a cliché.

overused

Focuses on the excessive use of the phrase, leading to its staleness.

unoriginal

Highlights the lack of newness or creativity.

banal

Implies that the phrase is not only unoriginal but also dull and lacking in interest.

stale

Suggests the phrase has lost its impact and freshness over time.

worn out

Indicates that the phrase has been used so much that it is no longer effective.

shopworn

Evokes the image of something old and used, like an item in a shop.

commonplace

Emphasizes the ordinariness and lack of distinction of the phrase.

time-worn

Highlights the fact that the phrase has been used repeatedly over a long period.

FAQs

How do you use "hackneyed" in a sentence?

You can use "hackneyed" to describe phrases or ideas that are overused and lack originality. For instance, "The politician's speech was full of "hackneyed" expressions and clichés".

What are some synonyms for "hackneyed"?

Alternatives to "hackneyed" include "trite", "clichéd", "overused", and "unoriginal". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "hackneyed" or "clichéd"?

"Hackneyed" and "clichéd" are very similar. "Clichéd" more directly implies something has become a cliché, while "hackneyed" emphasizes the overuse that has led to staleness. They are often interchangeable, but "hackneyed" can sometimes apply to broader ideas beyond just phrases.

What's the difference between "hackneyed" and "uninspired"?

"Hackneyed" specifically refers to something that has become stale through overuse, while "uninspired" suggests a lack of creativity or enthusiasm. A "hackneyed" phrase might be technically sound but tired, while an uninspired idea might be fresh but poorly developed.