The forgetting curve is a concept developed by psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus in the late 19th century. It illustrates how information is lost over time when there is no attempt to retain it. Ebbinghaus found that people forget information rapidly after learning it, with the most significant loss occurring within the first few days. To combat the forgetting curve, techniques like spaced repetition can be used. This method involves reviewing information at increasing intervals, which helps reinforce memory and improve long-term retention. By understanding the forgetting curve, learners can adopt strategies to enhance their memory and learning efficiency.