For forgetting a specific item or task:
* Forgetfulness: A general term for the inability to remember something.
* Absentmindedness: A lapse in attention that leads to forgetting something.
* Mind blank: A sudden inability to recall information or a specific memory.
* Brain fog: A feeling of confusion and difficulty concentrating, which can lead to forgetfulness.
For forgetting a general desire or goal:
* Lost track: When you have forgotten about something you wanted to do.
* Out of sight, out of mind: When you forget something because it is no longer in your immediate awareness.
* Slip your mind: When you forget something unintentionally.
* Deferred: When you postpone something you wanted to do, sometimes leading to forgetting about it altogether.
For more nuanced meanings:
* Suppressed memory: When you have unconsciously blocked a memory, often due to trauma or emotional distress.
* Amnesia: A more serious condition where you have lost significant memories, often due to injury or illness.
Ultimately, the best word will depend on the specific situation and what you are trying to convey.