# forget it

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/forget-it
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. don't worry about it

phrasal verb · CEFR A2 · Informal

you use this to tell someone that something is not important or they should stop worrying about it.

For teachers: used to dismiss a topic as being of no consequence or to advise someone to cease worrying about a minor error.

- If you can't find the book I lent you, just forget it; I have another copy.
- When he tried to apologise for the minor delay, she told him to forget it and focus on the upcoming presentation instead.

Usage: Used as a standalone imperative sentence.

Teaching tip: This is the most common and neutral sense, often used to be helpful or kind.

### 2. no way / absolutely not

phrasal verb · CEFR B1 · Informal

a strong way to say that something is impossible or that you will not allow it.

For teachers: an emphatic refusal indicating that a suggestion is impossible, unacceptable, or will not be considered.

- You want to borrow my new car for a road trip? Forget it.
- He asked for a three-month extension on the project, but the director told him to forget it immediately.

Usage: Often used as a one-word or two-word rejection.

Teaching tip: Learners should be careful with this sense as it can sound quite rude or aggressive depending on the tone of voice.

### 3. ending a conversation

phrasal verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

you say this when you are frustrated and want to stop talking about something because the other person doesn't understand.

For teachers: used to terminate a line of discussion, typically out of frustration, impatience, or the belief that further explanation is futile.

- I've tried to explain the rules three times now—oh, forget it.
- After several failed attempts to reach a compromise, she sighed and said 'forget it' before walking out of the room.

Usage: Usually follows a failed attempt to communicate or explain something.

Teaching tip: This sense carries a high emotional load; it signals that the speaker has given up on the interaction.

### 4. you're welcome

phrasal verb · CEFR B1 · Informal

a casual way to answer when someone says thank you.

For teachers: a conventionalised response to an expression of gratitude, functioning similarly to 'don't mention it'.

- Thanks for helping me move those heavy boxes. — Forget it, it was no trouble.
- When the tourist thanked him for the directions, he simply waved his hand and said 'forget it' with a smile.

Usage: Used as a response to 'thank you'.

Teaching tip: This is more common in American English than British English, where 'don't mention it' is more frequent.

## Examples

- Did you want the last slice of pizza? No, forget it.
- I tried to explain the software glitch to him three times, but he didn't understand, so I just said, 'Forget it.'
- When I offered to reimburse her for the taxi fare, she waved her hand dismissively and told me to forget it.

## Usage notes

- Teaching tip: teach this alongside 'never mind' to show how 'forget it' can carry a stronger edge of annoyance or finality in certain contexts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.