forgetful

adjective

for·​get·​ful fər-ˈget-fəl 

fȯr-

1

: likely to forget

2

: characterized by negligent failure to remember : neglectful

3

: inducing oblivion

forgetful sleep

forgetfully

fər-ˈget-fə-lē 

fȯr-

adverb

forgetfulness noun

Synonyms

• absentminded

Examples of forgetful in a Sentence

He became forgetful in his old age.

we become more forgetful as we get older

Recent Examples on the Web

Vittorio began the research and development stage with a belief that Lost & Found is a niche industry that only a few types of customers are aware of – think forgetful individuals, travelers, or parents of raucous, energetic offspring. —Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025

For the uninitiated or the forgetful, here’s everything to consider for New York’s primetime looks. —Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025

Angels ascending, angels descending, angels serving breakfast; weeping, forgetful, vigilant, doubting, full of hope. —Emily Labarge, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2025

Plus, people can be forgetful and seem to lose memories that were once in their heads. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing forgetful

• forgetful of
• self-forgetful

Kids Definition

forgetful

adjective

for·​get·​ful fər-ˈget-fəl 

fȯr-

: forgetting easily

forgetfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

forgetfulness noun