my forgetfulness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "my forgetfulness" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing your own tendency to forget things or when reflecting on a specific instance of forgetting. Example: "I apologize for my forgetfulness; I completely forgot about our meeting yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

My forgetfulness meant that we now had exactly what we wanted: grass.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The burglars and vandals had taken advantage of my forgetfulness ("Why didn't I double lock the door?") and taught me to be better.

The New York Times

I fully understand that it is my responsibility as a professional athlete to log my whereabouts on the UK Sport system and accept that it is due to my forgetfulness and lack of understanding of the online system following its launch last year that I have received this ban.

The Guardian - Sport

My reaction to hearing the news that the family bear had been found entailed immense relief and some joyous texts home to my mum, but it's a reminder that the possession I'm unable to lose is my forgetfulness gene and the awareness is many other things but serene.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cursing my forgetfulness, since I hadn't grabbed my cordless phone off the charger earlier, I set my laptop down on the floor, closing it as I placed it there, and rushed to the phone.

TechCrunch

My forgetfulness meant that I was wandering too long for my what-seemed-to-be-90-year-old-body.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

If those were all IOT devices, they'd be vulnerable not just to my own forgetfulness, but to the malice of my many enemies.

Vice

By dint of my habitual forgetfulness I am an expert at breaking into my own house.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sometimes get impatient w my kids' forgetfulness & then I recall I was in my 30s when I figured out I should get a towel b4 I get in shower.

Huffington Post

I had laid my growing forgetfulness to anno Domini,.

The New Yorker

By Ogden Nash The New Yorker, February 14 , 1970P. 44 I had laid my growing forgetfulness to anno Domini, View Article By Anthony Lane By Rebecca Mead By Jia Tolentino By Andy Borowitz.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "my forgetfulness", be specific about the context. This provides clarity and avoids generalizations that might undermine your credibility.

Common error

Avoid automatically attributing "my forgetfulness" solely to aging. Stress, lack of sleep, or other underlying health issues can also contribute to memory lapses. Consider these factors to provide a more accurate and nuanced explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my forgetfulness" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It indicates a personal attribute or condition. Ludwig examples confirm its role in explaining actions or expressing personal tendencies.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "my forgetfulness" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes an individual's tendency to forget things. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears commonly in News & Media and scientific contexts, often to explain actions or acknowledge memory lapses. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it’s crucial to be specific and consider underlying causes beyond just age when using it. Alternatives like "my memory lapses" or "my cognitive slippage" might be more suitable for formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my memory lapses

Focuses specifically on instances of memory failing.

my absent-mindedness

Highlights a general state of being forgetful or inattentive.

my poor memory

Emphasizes the quality of one's memory as being deficient.

my tendency to forget

Highlights the recurring nature of forgetting things.

my faulty memory

Suggests a defect or malfunction in one's memory.

my memory problems

Broader term encompassing various issues related to memory.

my cognitive slippage

More formal term referring to a decline in cognitive function.

my short-term memory loss

Specifically addresses the inability to retain recent information.

my inability to remember

Focuses on the lack of capacity to recall information.

my mental blanks

Refers to moments when the mind is unable to recall information.

FAQs

How can I use "my forgetfulness" in a sentence?

You can use "my forgetfulness" to explain why you forgot something or to describe a general tendency. For example, "Due to "my forgetfulness", I missed the appointment," or "I apologize for "my forgetfulness"; I should have written it down."

What's a more formal way to say "my forgetfulness"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "my memory lapses" or "my cognitive slippage". These options convey a similar meaning but are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it appropriate to use "my forgetfulness" in a job interview?

It depends on the context. If you need to explain a mistake, acknowledging "my forgetfulness" can show humility. However, avoid overusing it, as it might raise concerns about your reliability. Be prepared to provide context.

What causes "my forgetfulness", and when should I be concerned?

Common causes include stress, lack of sleep, and distractions. Occasional forgetfulness is normal. However, if "my forgetfulness" becomes frequent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms like confusion, consult a healthcare professional.