Maggie Clerkin, M.S., CCC-SLP
Many adults report having word-finding difficulty, also called anomia, from time to time. But while not uncommon, this tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon can still feel frustrating and confusing. Word-retrieval difficulty can be a typical part of aging or due to a neurological condition. Speech therapy can help, along with simple strategies that make it easier to recall words in the moment.
Key takeaways
Word-finding difficulty refers to challenges saying a known word while you’re speaking or writing.
People of all ages have trouble recalling words sometimes, and it's a typical part of aging.
Word-finding problems can also be related to conditions such as dementia, brain injury, stroke, or depression, or to lack of sleep.
There are simple tips you can use to recall words or to support a loved one dealing with word-finding problems.
Speech therapists are experts in cognitive communication and are trained to help people with word retrieval.
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Get startedWhat is word-finding difficulty?
We’ve all been there. You’re mid-conversation, telling a great story, asking a question, or even participating in a job interview—when suddenly, you can’t find the word you want to say. You know the word. You’ve used it before. If someone said it, you’d recognize it instantly. But in that moment, it’s just… gone.
Word-finding difficulty is also called anomia or word-retrieval difficulty. It refers to challenges saying a known word while you’re speaking or writing.
How common is it to have trouble finding words?
Occasional anomia is a universal phenomenon. People of all ages can find it hard to find words at times. That said, it’s important to note how often it happens, since anomia is more common among people with neurological disorders. When word-retrieval problems in adults become persistent or severe, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor.
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What causes frequent word-finding difficulty?
Word-retrieval problems for adults can have several causes, such as:
Typical age-related changes to the brain
Neurological conditions, such as dementia, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, stroke, or long COVID
Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety
Not getting enough sleep
Alcohol or drug use
If you have a hard time recalling common words, feel frustrated while communicating socially or at work, or notice word-finding problems getting worse over time, it's a good idea to talk with your doctor.
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Aphasia and word-finding problems
Aphasia is a language disorder that affects a person’s ability to speak, understand, read, or write. It’s most commonly caused by a stroke or brain injury, but it can also result from progressive conditions like dementia.
Having word-finding difficulty does not mean you have aphasia. However, some people with aphasia do have trouble in this area. This is another reason it’s important to see your doctor if you're having trouble recalling words.
There are different types of aphasia. Some affect the ability to understand language. Other types affect expressive language, which would include word-finding problems. You can learn more about the different types of aphasia and how they affect speech here.
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The role of emotion in word-finding difficulties
Recent research from Ohio State University suggests that emotions, such as fear or anger, can also affect word retrieval. Heightened emotions disrupt cognitive processes, making it harder to access words, especially negative ones.
In the study, researchers compared people with and without aphasia. Participants were given words and images categorized as either positive (for example, rabbits and pillows) or negative (skulls and garbage). Both groups struggled more with the negative words, but those with aphasia had much greater difficulty.
This suggests that emotions play a universal role in word retrieval. Stress, anxiety, or frustration can make it even harder to recall words, highlighting the connection between cognitive function and emotional state.
5 tips to help when you're struggling to find words
When it feels hard to find your words, it’s natural to look for a solution. Here's what speech therapists recommend trying when you’re suddenly having trouble recalling words.
1 Describe the word you’re trying to remember
Talk “around” the object, person, or place you’re trying to name. This strategy, called circumlocution, might help you retrieve the word in question. At the very least, it will help your conversational partner understand your message. An example of circumlocution would be saying, “Can you grab me the–um–thing that holds my coffee?” Your conversational partner might say, “Your mug? Sure! Here you go.”
2 Visualize the word you’re trying to recall
Sometimes you might know the first letter of the word that’s on the tip of your tongue. In these instances, visualize that letter. In our previous example, you might visualize the letter “m.” You might also share this detail out loud: “It starts with an m…”
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Start the screener3 Try to relax
Easier said than done, but try to remain calm if you forget a word. The more pressure you put on yourself to retrieve the word, the harder it will be. Take a breath and pause. If the word doesn’t come to you, no problem! Try another strategy, or keep the conversation moving. More likely than not, the word will pop into your head eventually.
4 Write a script ahead of time
Do you have an upcoming doctor’s appointment or a meaningful conversation with a loved one? Try scripting what you want to say beforehand. Write it out and practice it. You won’t be able to script every conversation, but you can use this strategy when precision is especially important.
5 Take care of your brain health
Research shows that getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and being involved in social activities can improve your brain health. It's also helpful to read regularly and play word-based games like crossword puzzles, Wordle, and Scrabble. These habits can improve your cognitive-linguistic functioning and your ability to recall words.
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Tips to help a loved one with word-finding difficulty
Conversation is a two-way street. If your loved one is forgetting words, there are things you can do to support them with word-retrieval problems.
Avoid quizzing. While your intentions might be good, asking questions while withholding the answer can be stressful, especially for people with word-finding difficulty. Instead of asking questions (for example, “Where did you go to eat? Come on…I know you know the name of that restaurant”), make statements: “I see you brought home leftovers from Tony’s Cafe. Yum!”
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Fill in the blanks, with permission. Ask your loved one if they’d like you to intervene when they can’t recall a word. They might prefer that you check with them before you guess the word you think they’re describing. They might also ask you to give them the first letter of the word in question.
Keep the conversation going. The ultimate goal of conversation is for two people to connect with each other. Focus on moments of connection with your loved one. Try not to let interruptions due to anomia define your interaction with them.
Word-finding difficulty can be frustrating. Next time this happens to you or a loved one, keep these strategies in mind to help improve the conversation. And if your trouble finding words is getting worse or interfering with your everyday life, don’t hesitate to contact your health care provider.
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Speech therapy can help with word-finding difficulties
If you regularly struggle to find your words, it’s important to talk with a speech therapist. Speech therapists are experts in cognitive-communication and are trained to help people with word retrieval.
A speech therapist can perform an evaluation to determine what's causing your word-finding problems. They will create a treatment plan that includes personalized activities and tasks to strengthen your ability to recall words. Depending on your needs, your speech therapist might use evidence-based treatments such as Semantic Feature Analysis (SFA), Verb Network Strengthening Treatment (VNeST), Semantic Priming to Improve Comprehension and Expression of Sentences (SPICES), generative naming tasks, and more!
Get matched with a speech therapist
If you or a loved one are having trouble with word-finding, reach out to Expressable today. We’re here to listen to your concerns and guide you on next steps. We can match you with a licensed speech therapist who can perform an evaluation and tailor a treatment plan to your needs. Get in touch with us here!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Why am I struggling with word retrieval?
Word-finding difficulty can be a typical part of aging, or related to lack of sleep or substance use. It can also be due to conditions such as dementia, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, stroke, long COVID, or depression.
Is word-finding difficulty a symptom of dementia?
Yes, word-retrieval problems can be a symptom of dementia. However, having trouble recalling words does not mean a person has dementia. It can also be a typical part of aging or related to another condition. That's why it's important to seek professional help if you're noticing ongoing problems.
Is word-finding difficulty the same as aphasia?
Having word-finding difficulty does not mean you have aphasia, but it's more common among people with neurological disorders such as aphasia. Aphasia can affect language comprehension, expression, or both, often leading to word-retrieval challenges.
When should I get help for word-finding difficulty?
If your word-finding difficulty doesn't go away, is getting worse, or is affecting your everyday life, it's important to get professional help. Start with our free screener to check your speech and language skills and see if you need further evaluation.
How Expressable Can Help
Concerned your child isn't reaching age-expected milestones? Looking for communication support from a professional? Expressable is a national online speech therapy practice serving children and adults. We treat all major areas of communication and feeding, offer flexible hours including evenings and weekends, and accept most major health insurance plans. We’re proud to have earned more than 3,000 5-star reviews from our clients (4.9/5 average).
Our therapy model is centered on parent and caregiver involvement. Research proves that empowering caregivers to participate in their loved one’s therapy leads to better outcomes. That’s why we combine live, 1-on-1 speech therapy with personalized education and home practice activities for faster progress.
Communication is more than words. It’s how we share how we feel and show who we are. We’re here to help you or your child do just that.
