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
- There are so many choices, so little time
Business words and phrases leap from creative to trite faster than you can say value proposition. And because one of my visitors asked for an alternative, I added value proposition to the list.
The overworked words worm their way into communication crevices, spilling into clumps of clichรฉ.
You try to avoid them. But what ifย your boss (even if that’s you) needs that business communication NOW.
Overused business words prey on those weak moments when your brain shuts down or deadlines loom.
So, I’ve updated the list and alternatives. I threw in a few bonus words. Pretty soon I am going to have to expand the list beyond 25.
Obliterating Overused Business Words
We all have our pet peeves when it comes to the words we love to hate. At times, I feel sorry for them.
- Some were solidย words or phrases
- Others wereย 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 Iโve thrown in a few examples of those.
(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 alternativeย โย Ultimately, finally
- Exampleย โย At the end of the day, this option is the better choice โย Ultimately, this option is the better choice.
(Or for the adverb-phobic, just go with This option is the better choice).
2. Best-of-Breed
Best-of-breed 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 alternativeย โย Specialists,ย experienced professionals, accomplished
- Exampleย โย Weย offer best-of-breedย logistics managementย consultingย โย Our accomplished professionals specialize in logistics management for small companies.
3. Buy-in
Asking customers for their buy-in sounds like an added charge on their invoice.
- Possible alternativeย โย Agreement, commitment
- Exampleย โย If we have your buy-in, we’ll move on to the next phaseย โ If weย haveย agreement, we’ll move on to the next phase.
4. 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 alternativeย โย Avoid, overcome
- Exampleย โย We can circumventย the problemย with better communicationย โ We can avoid/overcomeย the problemย with better communication.
5. 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 companyโs website. It makes me think about building up my abs. Not necessarily a bad thing.
- Possible alternativeย โย Specialize in… (describe), distinguished, excel
- Exampleย โย XYZ Company’s core competency is itsย design processย โ XYZ Company excels in its design process (explain how).
6. 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 alternativeย โย Leading, progressive, streamlined
- Exampleย โย The cutting-edge technology cuts production costsย in half (ouch)ย โ Our streamlined technology will have you doing a happy dance over increased production.
7. 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 alternativeย โ Analyze, study, explore
- Example โ Let’s take a deep dive into the data to come up with a solution โ We’ll study the data and see what options make the most sense for you.
8. Engage
As much as businesses want to engage customers (or employees), you would think the diamond business would be booming.
- Possible alternativeย โย Fascinate, immerse, involve, entice
- Exampleย โย Human resources needs to engage employees in the success of the businessย โ What will entice employees in caring about the business?
9. Facilitate
Facilitate means making things easier. So, why not make the word easier, too?
- Possible alternativeย โย Help, ease, make possible
- Exampleย โย Our company facilitates enrollmentย through simple technologyย โ Our company eases enrollment through simple technology.
10. Game-changing
The flaw in many overused business words is weย beat them to death. We useย them in situations that are not game-changing. Even the best words lose their effectiveness.
- Possible alternativeย โย Transform, make a difference
- Exampleย โย This game-changing product is unlike any product out thereย โ Our mesmerizing product transforms the way you doย XYZ.
11. 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 alternativeย โย Agree, support
- Exampleย โย If all parties getย on the same page, we canย sign the contractย โ If we all agree to the terms, we canย sign the contract.
12. Get your ducks in a row
Have you ever tried getting ducks to line up? Neither have I. But, it could be amusing.
- Possible alternativeย โย Review your options, organize
- Exampleย โย You need to get your ducks in a row before applying for that jobย โ You should review your options before applying for the job.
13. Going forward
When I hear this phrase, my Shoulder Satan shouts, but I want to go backward.
- Possible alternativeย โย Continue, in the future (or eliminate the going forward phrase)
- Exampleย โย This will be our new process going forwardย โ This will be our new process.
14. Innovative
This used to be a great word. Then it lost its innovation.
- Possible alternativeย โย New, reinvented, reimagined, distinctive (or describe what’s different)
- Exampleย โย Our innovative approach…ย โ We take a different approach (describe) โ We reimagined the way users do X.
15. Low hanging fruit
Talk about a visual. Giving the benefit of the doubt, I guess thatโs a good thing. But then why does this phrase annoy so many people?
- Possible alternativeย โย simplest options, easy access
- Exampleย โย If we eliminate the low hanging fruit, weโll get a jump on the project.ย โ Letโs start by choosing the simplest options.
16. Paradigm shift
Remember those pet peeves? Doesn’t this sound like Greek mythology? Donโt you wish it would fade into ancient history?
- Possible alternativeย โย Pattern change, significant change
- Exampleย โย There has been a paradigm shift in how we view communicationย โ Our pattern of communicationย changed significantly.
17. Proactive
This overused business word causes a reactive response of disgust.
- Possible alternativeย โย Enthusiastic, dedicated, tackle
- Exampleย โย We took a proactive approach to solving our clientโs problemsย โ We tackle our clientโs problems from the startโฆ
18. 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 alternativeย โย Take a risk, expand, try something new (insert description of whatโs new)
- Exampleย โย The team excels at pushing the envelope of designย โ The team challenges โhow weโve always done itโ by trying new designs.
19.Raise the bar
Except if you are a pole vaulter, this is an overworked phrase you should eliminate.
- Possible alternativeย โ Elevate, higher standard
- Exampleย โ We need to raise the bar on performance. โ We need a higher standard for measuring performance.
20. 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 alternativeย โย Assist, support, ask, recruit, enlist
- Exampleย โย Reach out to the customer to offer assistanceย โ Assist the customer by offering her options.
21. Run the numbers
Where exactly do we want the numbers to run to? And why?
- Possible alternativeย โย Price, calculate
- Exampleย โย Let me run the numbers so we know what we’re dealing withย โ I’ll calculate the cost of the project for you.
22. 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 alternativeย โย Initiative, take responsibility, show a commitment
- Exampleย โย If no one takes ownership, weโll never get the project off the groundโ Mary took the initiative to do whatever needed to be done.
23. 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 Iย have to think how to get outside? Or am I over-thinking it?
- Possible alternativeย โย Imaginative, resourceful, different, creative
- Exampleย โย Let’s see if we can think outside the box on this accountย โ Let’s be resourceful and find a different way to solve this problem.
24. 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 doesnโt it sound a tad arrogant?
- Possible alternativeย โย Different, new perspective
- Exampleย โย We will provide the kind of thought leadership that helps your business succeed.ย โ We help you gain a new perspective on evaluating your business.
25. 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 โ benefit, differentiator, gain
- Example โ This product’s value proposition is increased productivity with fewer errors โ You gain greater productivity and accuracy with a single click.
Bonus Words
Win-win situation
This was on my original list. The addition of more overused words bumped it into bonus status.
Win-win. I wonder if anyone uses the business phrase lose-lose.
- Possible alternativeย โย Mutually rewarding, beneficial, accommodation, work for both
- Exampleย โ This approach creates a win-win situation for both of usย โย If we compromise on this point, it should work for both of us.
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 โ Hear your thoughts, benefit from your experience, share/explore ideas
- Example 1 โ Could I pick your brain about this project? โ I’d love to hear your thoughts on this project.
- Example 2 โ Let’s do some brainstorming. โ Let’s get together to share some ideas – or – explore other options.
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 doesn’t work
I know you have business words or phrasesย 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. How about a little proactive competition to raise the bar on comment performance? ๐
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Helping youย 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. ๐
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. ๐
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. ๐ I appreciate you stopping by.
Great examples Cathy! ๐
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. ๐ I still like many that have become overused but I try to refrain from peppering them everywhere. Never liked pepper much anyway. ๐
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. ๐ 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. ๐
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. ๐
You’re so good at spotting these phrases Cathy! Thanks.
It helps when you hear them over and over, Anne. ๐
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). ๐
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! ๐
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!!
๐ I don’t blame you, Angela. ๐
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. ๐ Thanks for adding that to the list, Gary.
“Start a conversation.” Can we please. Just. Stop. ๐
Another good one, Bob. ๐ 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?” ๐
Thanks for sharing your example, Bob.
Thatโs 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. ๐ 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.” ๐ 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. ๐
Iโm currently seeking my next career opportunity. When I read, โ cross-functionalโ teams or โcollaborate with (stakeholders)โ, I truly want to jump onto train tracks. These two overused words are in at least 70% of job ads/descriptions. Wouldnโt it be clear to say, โplay well with others like we all learned in kindergartenโ?
Thanks for the addition, Sue. Ah, corporate speak. Don’t you love it? ๐ 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. ๐ 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. ๐ 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. ๐ 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.” ๐
LOL! I suspect you’re right, Trish. ๐ 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. ๐
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. ยฏ\_(ใ)_/ยฏ
Hope that helps. ๐ Thanks for stopping by.
I am writing a book about buzzwords and other 21st Century clichรฉs, and I enjoyed reading the article and comments. One word that especially irks me is โnarrative.โ Aargh!
๐ 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. ๐ Thanks for sharing, Rob, and best of luck with the book!