How much do you hate overused business words? Apparently, a lot.
- This post consistently tops my most visited posts.
- Many of you offered your own selections.
- And the number keeps growing (we started with 25).
Business words and phrases leap from creative to trite faster than you can say value proposition (yep, that made the list thanks to one of my visitors). And thanks to fellow business writer, Michelle Troutman, I am updating this list once again.
Michelle’s tweet shown below reminded me of this post.
Note to Michelle: Trish added your pet peeve way back in 2021.
It’s been over four years since I last updated this list. And as this growing number of words shows, there is no shortage of overused business words we love to hate. So, let’s update our list.
Obliterating Overused Business Words
The overworked words worm their way into communication crevices, spilling into clumps of cliché. As many of my readers expressed, you try to avoid them.
But what if your boss (or you) need that business communication NOW.
Overused business words prey on those weak moments when your brain shuts down or deadlines loom.
We all have our own pet peeves. At times, I feel sorry for the abused words.
- Some started as solid words or phrases.
- Others were pretentious from the start.
- Many evict passion of love or hate.
Even the alternatives become overused. My preferred choice is to use figurative descriptions, so I’ve thrown in a few examples of those.
Overused Business Words Hit List
(Listed alphabetically)
1. At the end of the day
This phrase exhausts me. At the end of the day, we have so much to do with whatever follows at the end of the day.
Possible alternative − Ultimately, finally
Example − At the end of the day, this option is the better choice − ALTERNATIVE: Ultimately, this option is the better choice.
(Or for the adverb-phobic, just go with This option is the better choice).
2. Bandwidth
Have you noticed how many of overused words have their origin in technology? But instead of the maximum volume of information transmitted over an internet connection, the corporate world spun a new meaning. Bless their heart.
Now, it means a maxed-out person or group of people, such as a department, who do not have the time or resources for additional work.
Possible alternative − lack of capacity/staffing/resources or availability
Example − We don’t have the bandwidth to take on another project – ALTERNATIVE: We lack the resources right now for this project – or – Based on current staffing, we are unable to take on this project.
3. Best-of-Breed
Best-of-breed is another phrase that started in the information technology (IT) world. Well, maybe the dog world, but the IT business world snatched it.
It means purchasing software from various vendors to have the best available for each application. Like so many of our overused words, the phrase crossed over into other business applications.
Do you picture the Westminster Kennel Club dog show when you hear best-of-breed applied to business consulting? Or is that just me?
Possible alternative − Specialists, experienced professionals, accomplished
Example − We offer best-of-breed logistics management consulting − ALTERNATIVE: Our accomplished professionals specialize in logistics management for small companies.
4. Buy-in
Asking customers for their buy-in sounds like an added charge on their invoice.
Possible alternative − Agreement, commitment
Example − If we have your buy-in, we’ll move on to the next phase − ALTERNATIVE: If we have agreement, we’ll move on to the next phase.
5. Circle back
Wait. Are those vultures I see circling back? Circling over the dead carcasses of overused business words?
For the buzzword builders, circle back refers to meeting or reconnecting at a later date – typically, in follow-up on a specific topic.
Possible alternative − Follow up, discuss/meet again
Example − Let’s circle back on Friday to revisit this issue − ALTERNATIVE: Let’s follow up on Friday to update our progress.
6. Circumvent
Circumvent is a fancy way of saying avoid or go around. Not a bad word; however, I prefer a more direct route (bad pun intended).
Possible alternative − Avoid, overcome
Example − We can circumvent the problem with better communication − ALTERNATIVE: We can avoid/overcome the problem with better communication.
7. Core competency
Have you had this phrase thrown at you during an employee evaluation? You may have seen it on an About page for a company’s website. It makes me think about building up my abs. Not necessarily a bad thing.
Possible alternative − Specialize in… (describe), distinguished, excel
Example − XYZ Company’s core competency is its design process. −ALTERNATIVE: XYZ Company excels in its design process (explain how).
8. Cutting edge
Color me strange but I do not find being on the cutting edge an enviable place to be. Images of blood (especially my own) are not my idea of a good time. They are better left for Stephen King.
Possible alternative − Leading, progressive, streamlined
Example − The cutting-edge technology cuts production costs in half (ouch) − ALTERNATIVE: Our streamlined technology will have you doing a happy dance over increased production.
9. Deep dive
Do you really want the phrase deep dive associated with your business? Instead of the analytical, thoughtful image you want to convey, it sounds like your business is going south fast. (Is going south overused, too?)
Possible alternative – Analyze, study, explore
Example – Let’s take a deep dive into the data to come up with a solution – ALTERNATIVE: We’ll study the data and see what options make the most sense for you.
10. Engage
As much as businesses want to engage customers (or employees), you would think the diamond business would be booming.
Possible alternative – Fascinate, immerse, involve, entice
Example – Human resources needs to engage employees in the success of the business – ALTERNATIVE: What will entice employees in caring about the business?
11. Facilitate
Facilitate means making things easier. So, why not make the word easier, too?
Possible alternative − Help, ease, make possible
Example − Our company facilitates enrollment through simple technology − ALTERNATIVE: Our company eases enrollment through simple technology.
12. Game-changing
The flaw in many overused business words is we beat them to death. We use them in situations that are not game-changing. Even the best words lose their effectiveness.
Possible alternative − Transform, make a difference
Example − This game-changing product is unlike any product out there − ALTERNATIVE: Our mesmerizing product transforms the way you do XYZ.
13. Get on the same page
I know what you’re thinking. Why would a writer not want to use a phrase about getting on the same page? And, yes, I’ve used it. Many, many times. Whoops.
Possible alternative − Agree, support
Example − If all parties get on the same page, we can sign the contract − ALTERNATIVE: If we all agree to the terms, we can sign the contract.
14. Get your ducks in a row
Have you ever tried getting ducks to line up? Neither have I. But it could be amusing.
Possible alternative – Review your options, organize
Example – You need to get your ducks in a row before applying for that job – ALTERNATIVE: You should review your options before applying for the job.
15. Going forward
When I hear this phrase, my Shoulder Satan shouts, but I want to go backward.
Possible alternative − Continue, in the future (or eliminate the going forward phrase)
Example − This will be our new process going forward − ALTERNATIVE: This will be our new process.
16. Innovative
This used to be a great word. Then it lost its innovation.
Possible alternative – New, reinvented, reimagined, distinctive (or describe what’s different)
Example − Our innovative approach… − ALTERNATIVE: We take a different approach (describe) – or – We reimagined the way users do X.
17. Low hanging fruit
Talk about a visual. Giving the benefit of the doubt, I guess that’s a good thing. But then why does this phrase annoy so many people?
Possible alternative – simplest options, easy access
Example – If we eliminate the low hanging fruit, we’ll get a jump on the project. – ALTERNATIVE: Let’s start by choosing the simplest options.
18. New normal
I don’t know about you, but if what is happening today is the new normal, I’d rather be the old abnormal. Oh, wait. I think I am. 🙂
The pandemic definitely left a mark on the world. It may not be the origin of the new norm, but it certainly pushed it to the top of many people’s list of most hated phrases. And it’s such a negative little bugger.
It refers to the state or condition of a place or situation, usually after a significant event (e.g., the pandemic effect on businesses).
Possible alternative – different place/situation, a change
Example – We’re trying to adjust to our new norm of remote workers. – ALTERNATIVE: We’re trying to adjust to the huge change of having so many remote workers.
19. Paradigm shift
Remember those pet peeves? Doesn’t this sound like Greek mythology? Don’t you wish it would fade into ancient history?
Possible alternative − Pattern change, significant change
Example − There has been a paradigm shift in how we view communication − ALTERNATIVE: Our pattern of communication changed significantly.
20. Pivot
This pandemic also caused a surge in the use of the word pivot. Because of the new norm, 😉 businesses had to find other ways to operate. Think restaurants and take-out.
Initially, I thought the word was quite descriptive. Sadly, it was beaten into the ground and lost its innovative meaning. (Have I annoyed you with my punny overuse of words yet?) 🙂
Possible alternative – Switch, try a different approach
Example – We need to pivot from the way we’ve been marketing. − ALTERNATIVE: Let’s try a different approach to our marketing. Our current process is not working.
21. Proactive
This overused business word causes a reactive response of disgust.
Possible alternative – Enthusiastic, dedicated, tackle
Example – We took a proactive approach to solving our client’s problems − ALTERNATIVE: We tackle our client’s problems from the start…
22. Push the envelope
This term has its origin in math. As math challenged as I am, I will not attempt to explain it but for those who like that kind of thing, click on the previous link.
Possible alternative − Take a risk, expand, try something new (insert description of what’s new)
Example − The team excels at pushing the envelope of design − ALTERNATIVE: The team challenges “how we’ve always done it” by trying new designs.
23. Raise the bar
Except if you are a pole vaulter, this is an overworked phrase you should eliminate.
Possible alternative − Elevate, higher standard
Example − We need to raise the bar on performance. − ALTERNATIVE: We need a higher standard for measuring performance.
24. Reach out
The creators of this phrase probably hoped we’d picture a hand extended in a helpful gesture. Me? I picture a hand reaching out from behind a cage, begging for escape from overused business words.
Possible alternative − Assist, support, ask, recruit, enlist
Example − Reach out to the customer to offer assistance − ALTERNATIVE: Assist the customer by offering her options.
25. Run the numbers
Where exactly do we want the numbers to run to? And why?
Possible alternative − Price, calculate
Example − Let me run the numbers so we know what we’re dealing with − ALTERNATIVE: I’ll calculate the cost of the project for you.
Shout-out to my writer buddy, Jenn, who uses a figurative version of this phrase – Crunch the numbers.
26. Take ownership
Why does the repossession of a car pop into my head? And is that the picture you want customers to have when you use the phrase?
Possible alternative – Initiative, take responsibility, show a commitment
Example – If no one takes ownership, we’ll never get the project off the ground− ALTERNATIVE: Mary took the initiative to do whatever needed to be done.
27. Think outside the box
Maybe it’s just me (probably) but I hated this phrase from the start. If I was trapped inside the box, wouldn’t I have to think how to get outside? Or am I over-thinking it?
Possible alternative − Imaginative, resourceful, different, creative
Example − Let’s see if we can think outside the box on this account − ALTERNATIVE: Let’s be resourceful and find a different way to solve this problem.
28. Thought leadership
My visual mind sees a parade of words following a drum major. The scene does not inspire the critical thinking the phrase intended. And doesn’t it sound a tad arrogant?
Possible alternative – Different, new perspective
Example – We will provide the kind of thought leadership that helps your business succeed. – ALTERNATIVE: We help you gain a new perspective on evaluating your business.
29. Unpack
This is another of those beat-the-word-to-death moments. If a vision of you removing items from luggage pops into your head, congratulations! You escaped the overuse beating from the business world.
Businesses (and certain sports analysts) use unpack to mean analyzing or breaking down an issue for closer examination.
Possible alternative − reveal, examine, discover, figure out
Example − Let’s unpack what is going on before presenting the issue to the C-suite. − ALTERNATIVE: Let’s see if we can figure out what’s creating this issue. Then we can present possible solutions to the C-suite.
30. Value proposition
I remember the first time I heard this term. My immediate thought was – what the heck does that mean? It’s one of my most hated corporate-speak terms.
Possible alternative − benefit, differentiator, gain
Example − This product’s value proposition is increased productivity with fewer errors − ALTERNATIVE: You gain greater productivity and accuracy with a single click.
Bonus Words from Readers
The following are a few bonus words from my readers. Check out the Comments for additional words they love to hate.
31. Narrative
Rob added this buzzword. It’s not one I thought of, but I found myself screaming, “Yes!” when reading his comment.
Narrative may have evolved as another way to say story or storytelling. Some would argue the latter two words should be on the list. For me, narrative creeps into pretentious territory. But that could be me.
Possible alternative − Story, background, storytelling
Example − What’s the narrative on this product? − ALTERNATIVE: What’s the background (or story) behind this product?
32. Pick your brain/brainstorming
I have to agree with reader, Marilyn Grossman. The use of either of these words makes me shudder at the picture in my head.
Marilyn asked for alternatives. I came up with the following and those found in my response to her Comment. Do you have others?
Possible alternative − Hear your thoughts, benefit from your experience, share/explore ideas
Example 1 − Could I pick your brain about this project? – I’d love to hear your thoughts on this project.
Example 2 − Let’s do some brainstorming. – Let’s get together to share some ideas – or – explore other options.
33. Space
Stephen was reaching for a knife over the “trendy” use of the word space. – we’re targeting that space in our next campaign – we work in the tech space. I truly hope Stephen aimed the knife at the word.
Possible alternative − customer segment, market, specialty
Example − We’re targeting that space in our next campaign . − ALTERNATIVE: We’re targeting that market/customer segment in our next campaign.
34. Team
This reference was around in my corporate days. And that was a looooong time ago. Apparently, it’s still irritating people as I’ve seen it on more than one list.
Sports teams prompted the adoption of the term into the business world. I do remember its overuse drove many team members crazy. Several asked, “Why not just call us comrades?”
Possible alternative − project/unit members, staff, employees, group
Example − Our dedicated customer service team is happy to assist you. − ALTERNATIVE: Our dedicate customer service staff is happy to assist you.
35. Touch base
Several lists tag the phrase, touch base, as annoying. I love Angela’s comment, “…Sorry, I’m not touching YOUR base!!” 😀
- I wonder if circle back touches base.
- How many employees who are unschooled in American baseball would understand this phrase?
Touch base is used to mean following up or scheduling a meeting.
Possible alternative − Let’s discuss/schedule/meet/follow up, connect, contact
Example − I’ll touch base with our client to see what day works best for her. − ALTERNATIVE: I’ll contact our client to see what day works best for her.
Overused and Exhausted
Are you as exhausted as I am? I am not a fan of following the crowd or making absolute statements. Business words and phrases rely on presentation. Some work. Some don’t.
- Consider the context.
- Use simple and clear words.
- Cut out what does not work.
I know you have business words or phrases to add to the list. Please share those in Comments.
We had great comments when this first posted on May 19, 2014 and on its updated version on August 9, 2017. The last post on March 20, 2020 brought more great comments.
Let’s see if this July 17, 2024 version can generate a little proactive competition to raise the bar on comment performance? 🙂
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Helping you Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours
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How about ‘my mind is blank.’ Not exactly business related, although it can be… but my state as I look to find another cliche… I guess I’m not in ton of business conversations these days.
Ha! Works for me, Anne. Sometimes that phrase is too accurate for me. 😉
Great list Cathy. I agree that most of these are definitely overused, but there are still a few that are in my vocabulary, like win-win.
John, that’s the sad part for me. There are some business words or phrases that work. It’s only their overuse that makes us shy away at times. I hate blanket labels. I’d say we’re each unique but apparently unique is considered an overworked word. 😀
Cathy,
Thanks so much for this article. I agree with these overused words, but have had some trouble coming up with suitable alternatives for some of them.
Your article was a blessing and has helped me immensely with a lead generation tool that I’m rewriting now for a client.
Thanks again for the article and here’s to your continued success!
Steve
Hi Steve. I’m glad I could help. I figured a list without alternatives is just whining. 😉 I appreciate you stopping by.
Great examples Cathy! 🙂
I don’t say “run the numbers” much, but I say “crunch the numbers” far too often. I have no idea why. But apparently I love the phrase. I usually use it when talking to freelancers about setting their rates or in my own notes or chats with my hubby in reference to figuring out business goals.
Of course, I never overuse words. 😀 I still like many that have become overused but I try to refrain from peppering them everywhere. Never liked pepper much anyway. 😉
Thanks, Jenn.
I think one of the most overused expressions is “pick your brain” and brainstorming. Pick your brain is disgusting image, yet it pops up all the time. Alternate suggestions? Thanks.
LOL, Marilyn. You make an excellent point. 😀 Some thoughts on alternatives ~
I’d love to know your thoughts on [fill in the blank]
I’d love to hear more about what you think
I know you are an expert in this area. What do you think? Can you recommend some resources?
Makes the person feel a lot better than they would if you “picked their brain”.
Thanks for a great comment, Marilyn. 🙂
Revised or not, your list reads like nine out of ten bad resumes and poorly-written executive bios I’ve had to rewrite over the years!
One day I may try to string a sentence together using only buzzwords.
I’ll admit, Paula, they are easy to fall back on. I try to raise my awareness level in hopes my screen reaches out and slaps my typing hands. 😉
You’re so good at spotting these phrases Cathy! Thanks.
It helps when you hear them over and over, Anne. 😉
Honestly never thought from this angle, I have used these phrases as I thought they have always been there and sounded cool, never realized they could have better sounding synonyms also. Very interesting read! thanks!
Glad you found it helpful. Adam. Like I said in the post, I am not fond of “absolutes” so I think some work as long as they are not overdone. Thanks for your thoughts, Adam.
I’m guilty of some of these (as a southerner, I’ve always tried to get my ducks in a row). A lot of them just sound like marketing BS and are a turnoff to hear. Thanks for the challenge to dig a little deeper for better words!
So good to see you here, Carrie. I’m a big fan of yours. You touched a soft spot in me. My dad was a southern gentleman and I often quote his “southernisms.” So, you’ll always skate by on those (in my view). 😉
The word that I think is currently overused is “Team.” In some companies trying to be modern and “cool” it is universally embraced to replace traditionally used more dignified and respectable terms like “Staff” and “Project members” or “Crew” or even “Employees.”
I’ve seen people in places where I am doing business literally groaning when they hear it used or when they read it used as part of the salutory line in an email. Many of the most productive people in many businesses have as a primary attribute that they are simply “not team players.”
Oh, that’s a good one, Andy. Thanks! 🙂
I started noticing the spread of “reach out to” when watching crime series on channels like Investigation Discovery. It doesn’t even seem to mean anything as specific as “assist”, but quite simply “get in touch with”, “make contact with” (or just “contact”, or “phone”). You hear police officers saying things like “we’ve reached out to the deceased’s family to find out if he had any enemies” or “we’d better reach out to the hospital to find out if the victim’s still alive”. What ever was wrong with the original, plain English phrases? Perhaps it’s supposed to make the police sound like, you know, totally caring and full of empathy….
I wonder how much has come as a result of TV. They may not invent it, but they do perpetuate it. Thanks for the example, Kevin.
When I worked as an admin assistant, I always heard, “Let’s touch base,” and it drove me nuts! Sorry, I’m not touching YOUR base!!
😀 I don’t blame you, Angela. 😉
Angela – I agree. That one is really annoying.
Great list, Cathy. Can you add a section to your list for alternatives for “Value Proposition”? The word “proposition” to me either gets confused with “preposition”, or it’s part of an unwholesome interaction. Not exactly how I want to speak with a customer.
Hi, Gary. Sorry for the delay in responding. I’ve been smack dab in a redesign of the site. I can’t believe I didn’t already have “value proposition” as it’s one I hate. However, I did use it in the opening. So much corporate speak, so little time. 😉 Thanks for adding that to the list, Gary.
“Start a conversation.” Can we please. Just. Stop. 🙂
Another good one, Bob. 🙂 I’ve also heard the term “conversate.” As someone who does like on occasion to convert nouns to verbs, I still have to say, “Seriously? Can we just talk?” 🙂
Thanks for sharing your example, Bob.
That’s hilarious! Thanks for sharing (and for the laugh)!
You forgot “awesome”, “too easy”, ‘ticks all the boxes”, “moving forward” (a variation on “going forward I know). And let’s not forget the pretentious people who talk about working in a “space” , and those who insist on asking questions “around” an issue instead of “about”. These last two have me reaching for a sharp knife.
Some great additions, Stephen. 🙂 Like I said, this list could be soooo much longer. I get a mental image of an old West movie circling the wagons in the “asking questions around an issue.” 😉 Thanks for sharing your personal pet peeves.
I was at a party at the home of my friend’s brother. In a rambling monologue, our host used my three least favorite overused expressions. “When all’s said and done,” “At the end of the day” and “It is what it is.” After he uttered the third expression, I yelled “Bingo!” After explaining my outburst, I was not invited back.
Thanks for sharing your “least favorite,” Eric. I can’t imagine why they would object. 😉
I’m currently seeking my next career opportunity. When I read, “ cross-functional” teams or “collaborate with (stakeholders)”, I truly want to jump onto train tracks. These two overused words are in at least 70% of job ads/descriptions. Wouldn’t it be clear to say, “play well with others like we all learned in kindergarten”?
Thanks for the addition, Sue. Ah, corporate speak. Don’t you love it? 😉 I appreciate you stopping by.
Love your list and the additions in the comments. One of my least favorite words is “awesome,” and I seem to see it everywhere. Eric William Benson’s additions could be my own – I completely agree!
Thank you for the kind words, Marte. True confession – I tend to use “awesome” quite a bit. However, I don’t think I use it in business communication, more in my personal communication. I think. 🙂 In any event, I appreciate your input.
This article is a few years old, so this comment is quite late, but I laughed (or cringed?) at all of these. Being the primary editor for my organization, I have seen far too much of them. Others I would add to my list of most hated overused phrases are: “utilize” (“use” suffices), “impact” as an active verb* (how about “affect”?), “run it up the flagpole”, “send it up the chain”, “drill down”, and “hit the ground running.”
*”Impact” comes from the Latin perfect passive participle “impactus”, which is used as a noun or adjective form of the verb “impinge” (to drive/pound in, to hit against). That is, after I have impinged on my boss’ time, he has been impacted, and I have made an impact on his calendar. Not only is impact as an active verb not the right form of the word, but to use it to mean “affect” is most often incorrect because most of the effects for which people use the word aren’t the kind that happen by being hit.
Common example: The boss says in a performance appraisal, “Your performance has been so stellar that you’ve really impacted our bottom line.” How, precisely, does it fit to say that the employee has hit/pound/driven against the bottom line? It’s really the opposite.
It is never too late to add your most hated overused phrases, Trish. 😉 At least I know this post is still popping up in searches. Utilize is one of those words that I file in the pretentious category. I agree, use works just fine, thank you very much. 🙂 And despite my beloved Merriam-Webster telling us, yes, impact can be used as a verb, I find myself still avoiding that use. However, I do agree with them that meanings and use do evolve but I still don’t think I’ll use impact as verb. LOL!
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, Trish!
Well, when they say “evolve,” I think this is code for “get misused so much that grammarians throw in the towel and capitulate rather than fight it.” 😉
LOL! I suspect you’re right, Trish. 🙂 Several years ago I wrote this post on my personal blog. https://www.millercathy.com/real-words/ Check out the Ted Talk if you have the time. Thanks for the discussion, Trish.
I need another phrase for ‘at a high level’ or ‘lets discuss this at a high level’ …. the context is when preparing reports for upper management. we have to condense alot of information into a few slides but the normative way of speaking is ‘at a high level’
Hi, Gaye. In my facilitator training days, we had another “corporate speak:” term for that. The facilitator of a meeting would ask, “Can you headline that for me?” Nothing like replacing one overused term with another. 😀
I don’t know if this works for you, Gaye, but I would say we need to create a snapshot of the key points on a few slides (even better if you give them a number, e.g. 2-3 slides) so the executives can review it. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Hope that helps. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
I am writing a book about buzzwords and other 21st Century clichés, and I enjoyed reading the article and comments. One word that especially irks me is “narrative.” Aargh!
😀 We each have at least one word or phrase that pushes our button.Your book should be an entertaining read, Rob. The toughest part will be choosing what to include. Our options are endless. 🙂 Thanks for sharing, Rob, and best of luck with the book!
You have hit every single peeve of mine — paradigm shift sounds painful, utilize sounds like a carpentry measurement, value proposition sounds pretentious, best-of-breed sounds like a puppy mill …. great choices for the list, Cathy!
LOL! I like your descriptions so much better, Lori. 😀 Thanks for stopping by.
Great examples! It should be “bandwidth” rather than “bandwith” however.
*Head slap.* Of course it should be. Typo attack. Thanks for the heads-up, Joy. And I am glad you enjoyed the examples. I fixed my senior moment. 😀