forgetfulness crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the "forgetfulness" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, sorted by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "forgetfulness crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
LAPSE: A temporary failure of concentration, memory, or judgment. Often used when someone briefly forgets something.
7 Letters
AMNESIA: A common medical term referring to a partial or total loss of memory, often due to brain injury, illness, or psychological trauma.
8 Letters
OBLIVION: The state of being unaware or unconscious of what is happening around one, or the state of being forgotten, especially by the public.
16 Letters
ABSENTMINDEDNESS: A state of being preoccupied and consequently forgetful or inattentive. Describes a tendency to forget things due to lack of focus.
More About "forgetfulness crossword clue"
The concept of "forgetfulness" is a rich source for crossword setters, as it can refer to a variety of situations, from mild mental slips to severe medical conditions. Common answers often delve into Latin or Greek roots, reflecting the formal and often clinical terms associated with memory. Puzzles might distinguish between a temporary loss of memory (a 'lapse'), a profound state of being forgotten (in 'oblivion'), or a medical diagnosis (like 'amnesia').
When encountering this clue, always consider the nuance the setter might be hinting at. Is it an active state of forgetting, a passive state of being forgotten, or a characteristic? The length of the answer is crucial here, as shorter words like LAPSE fit temporary instances, while longer words like ABSENTMINDEDNESS describe a more general trait or condition.
Being mindful of the context provided by surrounding clues and the puzzle's theme can also lead you to the correct answer. Sometimes, a clue might be part of a larger theme related to the mind, memory, or human behavior.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters is your biggest hint. 'Forgetfulness' can be short (like LAPSE) or long (like ABSENTMINDEDNESS). Always check the grid first.
- Consider Synonyms & Antonyms: Think broadly about words related to memory, forgetting, or even their opposites. Sometimes a clue is a misdirection, leading you to an antonym of what you first thought.
- Look for Medical/Psychological Terms: For clues related to mental states or conditions like forgetfulness, medical or psychological terms (e.g., AMNESIA) are very common answers.
- Examine Wordplay: Crossword clues often involve puns, anagrams, or other forms of wordplay. Could "forgetfulness" be hinting at something more literal, like 'leaves' (as in, things that leave you)? (Though less likely for this specific clue, it's good practice).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common crossword answer for 'forgetfulness'?
While answers can vary by puzzle, AMNESIA is a very frequently used answer for 'forgetfulness' or clues related to memory loss due to its specific and well-known meaning. OBLIVION is also quite common.
How can I remember specific words for abstract clues like 'forgetfulness'?
Many abstract clues like 'forgetfulness' often lead to words with Latin or Greek roots (e.g., AMNESIA, OBLIVION). Building a mental glossary of such terms and their meanings can significantly help. Also, consider different nuances: is it a medical condition, a state of being, or a temporary oversight?
Are there different types of 'forgetfulness' in crosswords?
Yes, crosswords often play on the various facets of 'forgetfulness'. It could refer to a medical condition (AMNESIA), a state of being forgotten (OBLIVION), a temporary lapse (LAPSE), or even a personality trait (ABSENTMINDEDNESS). Always consider the length of the answer and surrounding letters to narrow down the possibilities.