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

• preoccupied
• confused
• absentminded
• oblivious
• bewildered

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

Rory McIlroy had a forgetful opening round at the U.S. Open. —Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2025

This was an old, forgetful man whose constant drinking added to his failing powers. —Llewellyn King, Boston Herald, 26 May 2025

New York topped the list of most forgetful cities, with Miami and Chicago following closely behind. —Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025

New York City was the most forgetful city last year, according to Uber. —Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing forgetful

• forgetful of
• self-forgetful

Rhymes for forgetful

• regretful
• fretful

Kids Definition

forgetful

adjective

for·​get·​ful fər-ˈget-fəl 

fȯr-

: forgetting easily

forgetfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

forgetfulness noun