forgetful

adjective

for·​get·​ful fər-ˈget-fəl How to pronounce forgetful (audio)
fȯr-
1
: likely to forget
2
: characterized by negligent failure to remember : neglectful
3
: inducing oblivion
forgetful sleep
forgetfully adverb
forgetfulness noun

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 Americans are facing a choice between an 81-year-old sage with a literal senatorial vein and forgetful streak or a 78-year-old blowhard dragging behind him felony convictions and looming indictments. Philip Elliott, TIME, 28 June 2024 The character is frequently forgetful and apologetic, and McAdams grounds her with a sort of awkward charm that feels completely lived-in. Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 24 Apr. 2024 What privacy concerns could the forgetful octogenarian possibly have? Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 3 May 2024 So, Marlin teams up with a forgetful new friend (Ellen DeGeneres) to bring his son home. Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 16 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for forgetful 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'forgetful.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of forgetful was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near forgetful

Cite this Entry

“Forgetful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forgetful. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

forgetful

adjective
for·​get·​ful fər-ˈget-fəl How to pronounce forgetful (audio)
fȯr-
: forgetting easily
forgetfully adverb
forgetfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on forgetful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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