forgettable
UK: /fəˈɡet.ə.bəl/ | US: /fərˈɡet̬.ə.bəl/
adj. easily forgotten or not memorable
adj. lacking distinctiveness or lasting impact
The word "forgettable" combines the verb "forget" (from Old English forgietan, meaning "to lose hold of mentally") with the suffix "-able" (from Latin -abilis, indicating capacity). The fusion reflects the idea of something being "capable of being forgotten." Over time, "forget" evolved from its literal sense of memory loss to broader connotations of neglect, while "-able" systematically forms adjectives describing potential states. The word's logic is straightforward: if something is "forgettable," it inherently lacks qualities that would make it stick in memory.
The movie was so bland and predictable that it was utterly forgettable.
His speech was forgettable, filled with clichés and no original ideas.
Many tourists find the small town charming, but its cuisine is forgettable.
The book’s plot was forgettable, but the characters were vividly written.
She wore a forgettable outfit to the party, blending into the crowd.