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

There are five heat settings and a 3-hour auto safety shut-off for both fickle and forgetful teens. —Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 19 Nov. 2024

Biden has a clear forgetful streak and struggled occasionally to bring things to mind in the moment. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2024

Even then, the Texans could have sent the game to overtime, but Fairbairn – who has long been seen as one of the more reliable kickers in the league – missed a 28-yard attempt to cap off a forgetful afternoon at NRG Stadium for the home team. —Ben Morse, CNN, 27 Nov. 2024

People can be forgetful, so consider sending follow-ups about the outstanding balance, but avoid pestering. —Allbusiness, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

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