Which word best describes something that is "banal"?

The term "banal" specifically refers to something that is so lacking in originality that it becomes obvious and dull. This indicates a state of commonplace, repetitive, or uninspired quality that fails to provoke interest or excitement. When something is described as banal, it suggests that it is predictable and does not offer any new ideas or perspectives; it is often associated with being clichéd or trite.

The other choices, while useful in different contexts, do not align with the definition of "banal." For instance, the concepts of inventiveness or uniqueness would contradict the idea of being dull and obvious. Therefore, the description of something as lacking originality, as indicated in the correct answer, captures the essence of what it means to be banal.