Glossary
What Is Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve?
The Ebbinghaus forgetting curve describes the exponential decay of memory over time without reinforcement — typically losing 50-70% of new information within 24 hours.
Last Updated: May 2026
The Ebbinghaus forgetting curve, named for German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus who first quantified it in 1885, describes the exponential rate at which humans forget newly learned information when it is not reinforced. Ebbinghaus found that without deliberate review, learners lose roughly 50% of new information within an hour, 70% within a day, and 90% within a week. The implications for L&D are profound: training that is delivered once and not reinforced is mostly forgotten, regardless of how engaging the original session was. Combating the forgetting curve requires spaced repetition (reviewing material at increasing intervals), retrieval practice (actively recalling information rather than re-reading), application (using what was learned in real work), and microlearning reinforcement (short refreshers delivered after the initial training). Modern LMS platforms support these techniques through automated spaced-repetition reminders, post-training quizzes, scenario-based application exercises, and microlearning drip campaigns. Arythmatic's drip scheduling, automated reminders, and microlearning support let L&D teams design training programs that survive the forgetting curve rather than being defeated by it.
Key Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ebbinghaus forgetting curve?
It's the exponential decay of memory over time without reinforcement. Learners typically forget 50% within an hour and 70% within a day without deliberate review.
How can I combat the forgetting curve in my training?
Use spaced repetition, retrieval practice (quizzes that require active recall), application exercises tied to real work, and microlearning reinforcement after the initial training.