stale
UK: steɪl | US: steɪl
adj. no longer fresh or pleasant to eat or drink
adj. lacking originality or interest due to overuse
vi. to become stale or less effective over time
The word "stale" traces back to Old French estale, meaning "standing" or "idle," which itself derived from the Frankish stal (a place or position). Over time, it evolved in Middle English to describe things that had been left standing too long—such as bread or air—losing freshness. By the 16th century, it gained figurative use for ideas or jokes that felt overused and unoriginal.
The bread turned stale after being left out overnight.
His jokes felt stale after years of repetition.
Open the windows to avoid stale air in the room.
The debate grew stale with no new arguments.
Stale beer loses its crisp flavor.