forgetful

Forgetful is an adjective describing a person who tends to forget things or who has lapses in memory. It can reflect a temporary state, such as being distracted or tired, or a longer-term pattern. In everyday language, the term is often used even when memory function is largely intact but occasionally unreliable.

Causes vary: normal aging often brings slower recall, especially for names or items; sleep deprivation, stress, anxiety, depression, medications, alcohol can contribute. Medical conditions associated with more persistent forgetfulness include mild cognitive impairment, dementia, traumatic brain injury, thyroid disorders, and certain neurological diseases. Distinguishing between normal forgetfulness and a cognitive disorder is important and often depends on frequency, consistency, and impact on daily life.

In daily life, a forgetful person may misplace objects, forget appointments, or fail to recall recent conversations. Strategies commonly recommended include external aids (calendars, lists), routines, and adequate sleep. Medical evaluation is advised if forgetfulness is new, worsens, or accompanies disorientation, confusion, or significant memory loss.

Etymology: forgetful derives from forget, from Old English forgietan meaning to lose from memory, with the suffix -ful forming an adjective meaning "full of forgetfulness." Related terms include forgetfulness, memory, amnesia, and dementia.