memory lapse
noun
: a period of time when a person forgets things that he or she should have remembered
As he grew older he began to have memory lapses.
Examples of memory lapse in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Being stressed can increase your likelihood of memory lapses that lead to leaving your child in a car, according to a prominent cognitive neuroscience expert who has researched the function of memory in such tragedies.
—
Jenna Prestininzi, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025
When to Seek Medical Attention In general, occasional memory lapses are not cause for concern.
—Pamela Assid, Verywell Health, 25 Aug. 2025
This wasn’t a memory lapse for Gronkowski, a four-time Super Bowl–winning tight end with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
—Justin Birnbaum, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Carol Mitchell’s testimony was marked by memory lapses and inconsistencies with other testimony, and law enforcement body camera footage shown as evidence.
—Ingrid Harbo, Twin Cities, 19 July 2025
Most hot-car deaths are accidental Being stressed can increase your likelihood of memory lapses that lead to leaving your child in a car, according to a prominent cognitive neuroscience expert who has researched the function of memory in such tragedies.
—Janet Loehrke, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
The interview shows the former president appearing to have memory lapses and having a hard time staying on track.
—The Hill Staff, The Hill, 18 June 2025
Last week, audio released of a special counsel’s interview with Biden confirmed memory lapses that White House officials denied at the time.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 19 May 2025
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Jenna Prestininzi, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025
When to Seek Medical Attention In general, occasional memory lapses are not cause for concern.
—Pamela Assid, Verywell Health, 25 Aug. 2025
This wasn’t a memory lapse for Gronkowski, a four-time Super Bowl–winning tight end with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
—Justin Birnbaum, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Carol Mitchell’s testimony was marked by memory lapses and inconsistencies with other testimony, and law enforcement body camera footage shown as evidence.
—Ingrid Harbo, Twin Cities, 19 July 2025
Most hot-car deaths are accidental Being stressed can increase your likelihood of memory lapses that lead to leaving your child in a car, according to a prominent cognitive neuroscience expert who has researched the function of memory in such tragedies.
—Janet Loehrke, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
The interview shows the former president appearing to have memory lapses and having a hard time staying on track.
—The Hill Staff, The Hill, 18 June 2025
Last week, audio released of a special counsel’s interview with Biden confirmed memory lapses that White House officials denied at the time.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Memory lapse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/memory%20lapse. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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