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forget about

A2 neutral inseparable transitive

To stop thinking about, remembering, or worrying about someone or something.

In plain English

Stop thinking about something — put it out of your mind.

What does "forget about" mean?

3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 A2 neutral

To fail to remember something or someone.

"I completely forgot about our meeting — I'm so sorry!"

inseparable
2 A2 informal

To deliberately stop thinking about or worrying about something.

"Forget about the exam — there's nothing you can do now, so try to relax."

Forget about it.

— Donnie Brasco (film, 1997) — the phrase is central to the film's theme
inseparable
3 B1 informal

To abandon a plan or idea because it is no longer feasible or relevant.

"Forget about buying a house this year — prices are way too high."

inseparable
Usage tip

Very common in everyday speech. Can be used as a command ('Forget about it!') to tell someone to stop worrying or to dismiss a request. In American English, especially New York slang, 'Forget about it!' (or 'Fuggedaboutit!') is also used to mean something is outstanding or impossible.

Words that pair with "forget about"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

problems past ex worries idea plan

How to conjugate "forget about"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
forget about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
forgets about
he/she/it
Past simple
forgot about
yesterday
Past participle
forgotten about
have + pp
-ing form
forgetting about
continuous

Hear "forget about" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "forget about" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.