What is an empty platitude?

An empty platitude is a statement or remark that is overused and lacks meaning. These phrases are often intended to comfort or encourage but do not offer genuine substance or originality. They are a type of cliché that may seem profound on the surface but provide no real insight or practical value.

For example, saying “Such is life” to someone who just lost their job would be an empty platitude. While meant to be comforting, it fails to acknowledge the person’s specific situation or offer any meaningful support or advice.

By definition, all platitudes are empty, but the phrase “empty platitude” is frequently used in both writing and speech.