Word
forgetting
Phoneticsfor·get·ting, stress on the second syllable
US/fɝˈɡɛtɪŋ/
UK/fəɡˈɛtɪŋ/
Definitions
01failing to remember
A1 · Beginner
v. the state of not being able to bring a memory or fact back into your mind.
v. the present participle of 'forget', describing the ongoing or habitual failure to retrieve information from long-term memory.
“I am always forgetting where I put my glasses when I am in a hurry.”
“He found himself forgetting even the most basic details of the contract as the stress of the negotiation mounted.”
Pitfall
I am forgetting my keys every day.
I forget my keys every day.
Use the simple present 'forget' for habits. Use the continuous 'forgetting' only for a process happening right now or a gradual change.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02neglecting a task
A2 · Elementary
v. failing to do something you were supposed to do.
v. the act of unintentionally omitting a required action or duty.
“Forgetting to lock the door is a mistake I only made once.”
“Forgetting to include the primary stakeholder in the initial email thread caused significant delays in the project's approval phase.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03the act of memory loss
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic
n. the mental process of losing a memory.
n. the psychological or cognitive process by which information is lost or becomes inaccessible in the mind.
“The doctor explained that some forgetting is a normal part of getting older.”
“The study explores the mechanics of intentional forgetting, where the brain actively suppresses traumatic or irrelevant information to maintain cognitive health.”
Antonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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