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Showing results for forgetful. Search instead for forgetfuln.
Definitions

forgetful

[fer-get-fuhl] / fərˈgɛt fəl /
ADJECTIVE
tending to not remember
Synonyms
STRONGEST
careless distracted inattentive sloppy
STRONG
unmindful
WEAK
absent absent-minded abstracted airheaded amnemonic amnesic asleep on the job bemused dreamy heedless lax like an absent-minded professor looking out window mooning moony neglectful negligent nirvanic not on the job oblivious out of it out to lunch pipe dreaming preoccupied remiss slack unwitting woolgathering
Antonyms
STRONGEST
attentive
WEAK
mindful recalling remembering retentive

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"He went from being confident, energetic, and present to being withdrawn, irritable, forgetful - and he just seemed to be constantly in pain," she said.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

“Did I?” she replied, in an incidental and forgetful way.

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.