C1adjectiveformalartsmedia
US/dɪˈrɪv.ə.tɪv/
UK/dɪˈrɪv.ə.tɪv/
copying or based on other people's work, with little that is new or original
In context
Critics called the film derivative because it borrowed so much from older movies.
Her early poems were derivative, but she soon found her own voice.
The band's sound feels derivative and safe, with nothing surprising in it.
Words that go with derivative
adjective + preposition
- derivative ofThe plot is derivative of an older novel.
adjective + noun
- derivative workThe court ruled the book a derivative work.
- derivative styleHis derivative style never won him fans.
- derivative plotReviewers found the derivative plot predictable.
- derivative designThe phone has a derivative design that copies its rivals.