hackneyed

Definition of hackneyed

lacking creativity; derivative and overused

Synonyms for hackneyed

• trite
• banal
• pedestrian

hackneyed in a Sentence

1. "Love at first sight" is a hackneyed plot in romance novels.

Why hackneyed Matters for GRE & SAT

"hackneyed" is a adjective that means "lacking creativity; derivative and overused" closely related to words like "trite", "banal", "pedestrian". As a word starting with H, it belongs to a cluster of GRE and SAT vocabulary that test-takers often encounter in Verbal Reasoning, Text Completion, and Reading Comprehension sections.

On the GRE, understanding "hackneyed" helps you distinguish between closely related answer choices in Sentence Equivalence questions. On the SAT, recognizing this word in context strengthens your performance on Craft & Structure and Words in Context questions. Seeing how "hackneyed" is used in sentences — like the examples above — builds the contextual understanding that standardized tests reward.

Study tip: Start with the definition and part of speech (adjective). Then learn its 3 synonyms to build a word network. Finally, practice with spaced repetition to move "hackneyed" into long-term memory.

How to Remember hackneyed

One effective way to remember "hackneyed" (adjective) is to group it with similar words you already know: "trite" and "banal" and "pedestrian". When you encounter "hackneyed" on a test, these synonym connections help you quickly recall its meaning — "lacking creativity; derivative and overused".

Use flashcard apps with spaced repetition to review "hackneyed" at increasing intervals until it becomes automatic.

More Vocabulary Words Starting with H

• habitat — The natural home or environment of an animal or plant
• hamper — To hinder or impede the movement or progress of
• hamper — obstruct or hinder progress
• haphazard — lacking clear planning, order, or direction
• hapless — unlucky or unfortunate
• harangue — a long angry rant
• harbinger — a person or thing that foreshadows or foretells the coming of someone or somethi
• harrowing — causing pain or distress
• haughty — exhibiting arrogant and condescending pride
• headstrong — determined to have one's own way; stubborn