What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
forgetful
Example
I'm so forgetful, I always forget my keys. [forgetful: adjective]
Example
She's forgetful when it comes to dates and appointments. [forgetful: adjective]
careless
Example
He's so careless with his belongings, he's always losing things. [careless: adjective]
Example
She was careless with her words and ended up offending her friend. [careless: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Careless is more commonly used than forgetful in everyday language. Careless is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while forgetful is less common and refers specifically to memory-related issues.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between forgetful and careless?
While forgetful is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, careless can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.