Unmemorable: meaning, definitions and examples
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unmemorable
[ʌnˈmɛmərəbəl ]
Definition
Context #1 | Adjective
lack of impact
Unmemorable refers to something that is not remarkable or significant enough to be remembered. It suggests a lack of distinctiveness or memorable qualities, making it easy to forget.
Synonyms
forgettable, mundane, ordinary, uninspiring.
Examples of usage
- The movie was pretty unmemorable, not worth seeing again.
- He gave an unmemorable speech that failed to inspire the audience.
- The dinner was nice but ultimately unmemorable.
- Despite the hype, the concert turned out to be unmemorable.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The prefix 'un-' means 'not,' so 'unmemorable' literally means 'not memorable.'
- The root word 'memorable' comes from Latin 'memorabilis,' which means 'worthy of remembrance.'
- The word has been used since the early 20th century to describe things that fail to leave a lasting impression.
Psychology
- Psychologists suggest that emotional engagement is key to memory, meaning dull experiences often result in being hard to recall.
- Studies show that novelty helps with memory retention; hence, things that feel ordinary often become unmemorable.
- When information is presented in a monotonous way, it can lead to decreased attention, leaving little chance for memorability.
Literature
- In literature, unmemorable characters often lack depth or development, making them easily forgettable.
- Authors sometimes use unmemorable settings to contrast with vibrant moments, highlighting the parts that truly engage the reader.
- The concept of unmemorable also appears in critiques of works that fail to evoke emotion or provoke thought, leading to a lack of impact.
Pop Culture
- Many sequels or adaptations of popular movies can often be termed unmemorable if they fail to capture the audience's original interest.
- In the world of music, some songs are labeled unmemorable if they lack creative hooks or relatable lyrics.
- Television shows that lack strong character development or compelling plots risk being called unmemorable after cancellation.
Education
- In teaching, lessons that do not engage students or connect to their interests can become unmemorable.
- Effective educators use storytelling and interaction to prevent lectures from being unmemorable.
- Classroom activities that involve hands-on learning are less likely to be unmemorable, as they leave a more lasting impression.