noun
hack
A professional whose work lacks skill or originality.
The studio hires a hack who recycles the same tired plots.
Etymology
Hack shortens hackney, originally a hired horse. The hired-work comparison became disparaging when applied to a professional producing routine work without originality.
More examples
- Critics dismiss the architect as a hack with no original ideas.
- The paper replaces its best reporters with hacks who copy press releases.
- Even a talented writer can turn into a hack.
Forms
hack · hacks
hackwork noun — Routine professional work lacking originality or skill.
Similar words
- bungler
- Emphasizes clumsy mistakes rather than dull or formulaic work.
- drudge
- Stresses tedious routine labor rather than lack of talent.