DictionaryAI

forget

verb
fur-GET/fɚˈɡɛt/fuh-GET/fəˈɡɛt/

Formsforgets, forgetting, forgot, forgotten

5 meanings of forget

Practice

  1. 1
    verbtransitive
    To not remember something anymore, or to stop thinking about it.

    Like a word slipping out of your head right when you need it.

    I always forget her birthday.

    He forgot his password again this morning.

    UsageSay forgot and have forgotten. Forget about it means stop thinking about it.

    Oppositeremember, recall, recollect

  2. 2
    fail to doverbtransitive
    To not do something because you did not remember to do it.

    Like meaning to send a message, but it slips your mind.

    I forgot to lock the door last night.

    Don't forget to call your mom this weekend.

    UsageSay forget to do something: don't forget to call.

    Similarneglect, fail, omit

    Oppositeremember

    Note
  3. 3
    overlookverbcolloquialtransitive
    To not notice or realize something at a given moment.

    Like not noticing how loud a room is until someone points it out.

    People forget how dangerous the river can be after heavy rain.

    You forget that not everyone here owns a car.

    UsageUse forget that or forget how: You forget how cold it gets.

    Similaroverlook, ignore, disregard, discount

    Oppositeremember, consider

  4. 4
    leave behindverbtransitive
    To leave something behind because you did not remember to take it.

    Like walking out the door without your keys.

    I forgot my umbrella at the office.

    Don't forget your lunch when you leave for school.

    UsageTo say where, left is common: I left my umbrella at the office.

    Similarleave

    Oppositeremember

Less common meaning

  1. 5
    mild swearverbslangtransitive
    A mild swear word used instead of a ruder one to show anger.

    Like saying "shoot" when you really want to use a stronger word.

    Forget you, I'm not doing your chores anymore!

    When they laughed at him, he snapped, "Forget all of you."

    UsageIt is still rude. Avoid it at work or with people you don't know.

    Similarscrew, damn

    Note

Practice

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Origin

From Old English forgietan, meaning "to forget." It is made of for- plus get.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts