<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?>
<!-- DFIN ActiveDisclosure(SM) XBRL Linkbase Document - http://www.dfinsolutions.com/ -->
<!-- Creation Date      : 2021-08-11T20:08:10.4924905+00:00 -->
<!-- Version            : 5.0.1.648 -->
<!-- Package ID         : e98c7e8d0ef547c7ad642d8c2e9bda39 -->
<!-- Copyright (c) 2021 Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc. All Rights Reserved. -->
<link:linkbase xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" />
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" />
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" />
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" />
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" />
  <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#TemplateLink" roleURI="http://www.thehackettgroup.com/20210702/role/TemplateLink" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.thehackettgroup.com/20210702/taxonomy/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#Role_StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.thehackettgroup.com/20210702/taxonomy/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerDilutedShare" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerDilutedShare" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShare" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShare" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCosts" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestructuringCosts" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#hckt_ReimbursableExpenses" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="hckt_ReimbursableExpenses" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#hckt_ShareBasedCompensationIncludedInCostOfService" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="hckt_ShareBasedCompensationIncludedInCostOfService" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#hckt_PersonnelCostsBeforeReimbursableExpenses" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="hckt_PersonnelCostsBeforeReimbursableExpenses" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#hckt_CostBeforeReimbursementsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="hckt_CostBeforeReimbursementsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#hckt_ReimbursementsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="hckt_ReimbursementsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#hckt_RevenueBeforeReimbursementsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="hckt_RevenueBeforeReimbursementsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="hckt_RevenueBeforeReimbursementsMember" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="hckt_ReimbursementsMember" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="hckt_CostBeforeReimbursementsMember" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" order="10530.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" order="10770.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAbstract" order="10930.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="hckt_PersonnelCostsBeforeReimbursableExpenses" order="11090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="hckt_ShareBasedCompensationIncludedInCostOfService" order="11170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="hckt_ReimbursableExpenses" order="11250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSold" order="11330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" order="11410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" order="11490.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestructuringCosts" order="11570.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" order="11650.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" order="11730.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" order="11810.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpense" order="11970.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" order="12050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" order="12130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="12210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationNetOfTax" order="12290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" order="12370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" order="12450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerBasicShare" order="12610.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerBasicShare" order="12690.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" order="12770.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" order="12850.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare" order="13010.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerDilutedShare" order="13090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" order="13170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" order="13250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" order="13410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" order="13490.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.thehackettgroup.com/20210702/taxonomy/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfEquity" xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#Role_StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.thehackettgroup.com/20210702/taxonomy/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfEquity">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation" order="10440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" order="10600.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" order="10620.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalShareBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsRequisiteServicePeriodRecognition" order="10780.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash" order="10960.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" order="11140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" order="11320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.thehackettgroup.com/20210702/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndGeneralInformationNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#Role_DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndGeneralInformationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.thehackettgroup.com/20210702/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndGeneralInformationNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleAccountingStandardsUpdateImmaterialEffect" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleAccountingStandardsUpdateImmaterialEffect" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleAccountingStandardsUpdateAdopted" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleAccountingStandardsUpdateAdopted" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleAccountingStandardsUpdateAdoptionDate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleAccountingStandardsUpdateAdoptionDate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostNumberOfPositionsEliminatedPeriodPercent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostNumberOfPositionsEliminatedPeriodPercent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#hckt_CustomerContractPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="hckt_CustomerContractPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalizedContractCostImpairmentLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CapitalizedContractCostImpairmentLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfDeferredSalesCommissions" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfDeferredSalesCommissions" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalizedContractCostNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CapitalizedContractCostNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#hckt_BusinessRelationshipAgreementPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="hckt_BusinessRelationshipAgreementPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201912Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201912Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#hckt_COVID19Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="hckt_COVID19Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#hckt_BasisOfPresentationAndGeneralInformationTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="hckt_BasisOfPresentationAndGeneralInformationTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#hckt_BasisOfPresentationAndGeneralInformationLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="hckt_BasisOfPresentationAndGeneralInformationLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="hckt_BasisOfPresentationAndGeneralInformationLineItems" xlink:to="hckt_BasisOfPresentationAndGeneralInformationTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="hckt_BasisOfPresentationAndGeneralInformationTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="hckt_BasisOfPresentationAndGeneralInformationTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain_2" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemDomain" xlink:to="hckt_COVID19Member" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="hckt_BasisOfPresentationAndGeneralInformationTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_2" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201912Member" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="hckt_BasisOfPresentationAndGeneralInformationLineItems" xlink:to="hckt_BusinessRelationshipAgreementPeriod" order="10380.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="hckt_BasisOfPresentationAndGeneralInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized" order="10470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="hckt_BasisOfPresentationAndGeneralInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CapitalizedContractCostNet" order="10580.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="hckt_BasisOfPresentationAndGeneralInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmortizationOfDeferredSalesCommissions" order="10660.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="hckt_BasisOfPresentationAndGeneralInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CapitalizedContractCostImpairmentLoss" order="10740.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="hckt_BasisOfPresentationAndGeneralInformationLineItems" xlink:to="hckt_CustomerContractPeriod" order="10820.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="hckt_BasisOfPresentationAndGeneralInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostNumberOfPositionsEliminatedPeriodPercent" order="10930.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="hckt_BasisOfPresentationAndGeneralInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestructuringCharges" order="10950.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="hckt_BasisOfPresentationAndGeneralInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" order="10970.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="hckt_BasisOfPresentationAndGeneralInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleAccountingStandardsUpdateAdoptionDate" order="11020.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="hckt_BasisOfPresentationAndGeneralInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleAccountingStandardsUpdateAdopted" order="11040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="hckt_BasisOfPresentationAndGeneralInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleAccountingStandardsUpdateImmaterialEffect" order="11060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.thehackettgroup.com/20210702/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndGeneralInformationSummaryOfDisaggregationOfTotalRevenueIncludingReimbursableExpensesDetails" xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#Role_DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndGeneralInformationSummaryOfDisaggregationOfTotalRevenueIncludingReimbursableExpensesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.thehackettgroup.com/20210702/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndGeneralInformationSummaryOfDisaggregationOfTotalRevenueIncludingReimbursableExpensesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#hckt_RevenueBeforeReimbursementsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="hckt_RevenueBeforeReimbursementsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#hckt_SoftwareLicenseSalesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="hckt_SoftwareLicenseSalesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#hckt_ConsultingMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="hckt_ConsultingMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="hckt_ConsultingMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="hckt_SoftwareLicenseSalesMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="hckt_RevenueBeforeReimbursementsMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.thehackettgroup.com/20210702/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRestructuringCostsNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#Role_DisclosureRestructuringCostsNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.thehackettgroup.com/20210702/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRestructuringCostsNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserve" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestructuringReserve" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostsAndAssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestructuringCostsAndAssetImpairmentCharges" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#hckt_EuropeAndAustraliaMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="hckt_EuropeAndAustraliaMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="hckt_EuropeAndAustraliaMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestructuringCostsAndAssetImpairmentCharges" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestructuringReserve" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.thehackettgroup.com/20210702/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRestructuringCostsScheduleOfActivityInRestructuringExpenseAccrualsDetails" xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#Role_DisclosureRestructuringCostsScheduleOfActivityInRestructuringExpenseAccrualsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.thehackettgroup.com/20210702/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRestructuringCostsScheduleOfActivityInRestructuringExpenseAccrualsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringReserve" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestructuringReserve" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#hckt_ExitClosureAndConsolidationOfFacilitiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="hckt_ExitClosureAndConsolidationOfFacilitiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringAndRelatedCostsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:to="hckt_ExitClosureAndConsolidationOfFacilitiesMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestructuringReserve" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.thehackettgroup.com/20210702/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLeasesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#Role_DisclosureLeasesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.thehackettgroup.com/20210702/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLeasesNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedDescription" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedDescription" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotYetCommencedDescription" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.thehackettgroup.com/20210702/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCreditFacilityNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#Role_DisclosureCreditFacilityNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.thehackettgroup.com/20210702/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCreditFacilityNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityFairValueOfAmountOutstanding" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityFairValueOfAmountOutstanding" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#hckt_PledgeOfCapitalStockToDirectForeignSubsidiaries" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="hckt_PledgeOfCapitalStockToDirectForeignSubsidiaries" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#hckt_PledgeOfCapitalStockToUSSubsidiaries" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="hckt_PledgeOfCapitalStockToUSSubsidiaries" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BaseRateMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BaseRateMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_2" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_BaseRateMember" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" order="10400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="hckt_PledgeOfCapitalStockToUSSubsidiaries" order="10470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="hckt_PledgeOfCapitalStockToDirectForeignSubsidiaries" order="10490.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityFairValueOfAmountOutstanding" order="10540.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" order="10580.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeePercentage" order="10660.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.thehackettgroup.com/20210702/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#Role_DisclosureStockBasedCompensationNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.thehackettgroup.com/20210702/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#hckt_CommonStockSubjectToVestingRequirementsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="hckt_CommonStockSubjectToVestingRequirementsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="hckt_CommonStockSubjectToVestingRequirementsMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" order="10380.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" order="10460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions" order="10500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" order="10540.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.thehackettgroup.com/20210702/taxonomy/role/DisclosureShareholdersEquityNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#Role_DisclosureShareholdersEquityNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.thehackettgroup.com/20210702/taxonomy/role/DisclosureShareholdersEquityNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateToBePaidMonthAndYear" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateToBePaidMonthAndYear" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateDeclaredYear" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateDeclaredYear" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardExpirationDate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardExpirationDate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#hckt_StockRepurchaseMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="hckt_StockRepurchaseMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockAppreciationRightsSARSMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_2" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain" xlink:to="hckt_StockRepurchaseMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_2" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" order="10400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardExpirationDate" order="10440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" order="10490.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare" order="10590.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" order="10690.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1" order="10790.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1" order="10890.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" order="11020.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" order="11100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" order="11210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash" order="11290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateDeclaredYear" order="11370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateToBePaidMonthAndYear" order="11450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.thehackettgroup.com/20210702/taxonomy/role/DisclosureTransactionsWithRelatedPartiesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#Role_DisclosureTransactionsWithRelatedPartiesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.thehackettgroup.com/20210702/taxonomy/role/DisclosureTransactionsWithRelatedPartiesNarrativeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_DirectorMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_DirectorMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="srt_DirectorMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.thehackettgroup.com/20210702/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGeographicAndGroupInformationGeographicRevenueBeforeReimbursementsDetails" xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#Role_DisclosureGeographicAndGroupInformationGeographicRevenueBeforeReimbursementsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.thehackettgroup.com/20210702/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGeographicAndGroupInformationGeographicRevenueBeforeReimbursementsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#hckt_InternationalPrimarilyEuropeanCountriesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="hckt_InternationalPrimarilyEuropeanCountriesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_NorthAmericaMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_NorthAmericaMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#hckt_RevenueBeforeReimbursementsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="hckt_RevenueBeforeReimbursementsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="hckt_RevenueBeforeReimbursementsMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="srt_NorthAmericaMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="hckt_InternationalPrimarilyEuropeanCountriesMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.thehackettgroup.com/20210702/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGeographicAndGroupInformationLongLivedAssetsAttributableToGeographicAreasDetails" xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#Role_DisclosureGeographicAndGroupInformationLongLivedAssetsAttributableToGeographicAreasDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.thehackettgroup.com/20210702/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGeographicAndGroupInformationLongLivedAssetsAttributableToGeographicAreasDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncurrentAssets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoncurrentAssets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="hckt-20210702.xsd#hckt_InternationalPrimarilyEuropeanCountriesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="hckt_InternationalPrimarilyEuropeanCountriesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_NorthAmericaMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_NorthAmericaMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="srt_NorthAmericaMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="hckt_InternationalPrimarilyEuropeanCountriesMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoncurrentAssets" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
</link:linkbase>
