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

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

Brokenhearted, Michelle takes to sleeping in late and grows even more forgetful and sad. —Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Sep. 2024

According to Kids Car and Safety, an organization dedicated to child well-being around vehicles, 88% of children who die in hot cars are age 3 or younger, and a majority of them, 55%, were left by a forgetful but otherwise loving and responsible parent or guardian. —Liam Rappleye, Detroit Free Press, 14 Aug. 2024

And there will inevitably be things in both of you that will be grating: One of you doesn’t take the trash out enough; one of you is forgetful; one of you snores; one of you crunches their food loudly (guilty). —Kitty Ruskin, TIME, 5 Aug. 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