Which word best describes a lack of originality in a statement or idea?

The term that best captures a lack of originality in a statement or idea is "trite." When something is described as trite, it means that it has been overused to the point of losing its freshness and effectiveness. Trite expressions often sound cliché or unoriginal, which diminishes their impact and makes them predictable and boring. This word encapsulates the essence of something being devoid of creativity or uniqueness, highlighting that it has become stale through excessive repetition.

In contrast, innovative refers to the introduction of new and original ideas, while imitative suggests a tendency to copy others rather than create something new. Novel, on the other hand, denotes something that is new or unusual, opposing the notion of lack of originality. Thus, the distinction lies in how trite specifically emphasizes the absence of freshness in ideas or expressions, making it the most suitable choice.