forgetful

American  

[fer-get-fuhl] / fərˈgɛt fəl /

adjective

1. apt to forget; that forgets.

   a forgetful person.

   Synonyms:

   unmindful, inattentive, absent-minded

2. heedless or neglectful (often followed byof ).

   to be forgetful of others.

3. bringing on oblivion.

   forgetful slumber.

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forgetful British  

/ fəˈɡɛtfʊl /

adjective

1. tending to forget

2. inattentive (to) or neglectful (of)

3. poetic causing loss of memory

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Other Word Forms

• forgetfully adverb
• forgetfulness noun
• quasi-forgetful adjective
• quasi-forgetfully adverb
• unforgetful adjective
• unforgetfully adverb
• unforgetfulness noun

Etymology

Origin of forgetful

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; forget, -ful

Example Sentences

"He went from being confident, energetic, and present to being withdrawn, irritable, forgetful - and he just seemed to be constantly in pain," she said.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

That luxury has, I fear, made us forgetful.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 10, 2025

Instagram and Snapchat were just two of the many platforms that had pledged to help forgetful, regretful netizens save their nominally temporary posts as long-lasting memories.

From Slate • Oct. 6, 2024

Doubt is fussy and forgetful, whereas certainty strides around, all action and achievement.

From New York Times • Feb. 23, 2024

Like travelers with exotic destinations on their minds, the graduates were remarkably forgetful.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou

Related Words

• careless
• distracted
• inattentive
• sloppy