'Tip-of-the-tongue' queries: a blind spot for modern agentic retrieval
bclavie · x · 2026-10-17
Retrieval practitioners discuss tip-of-the-tongue (ToT) queries—where users recall partial attributes but can't name the target. Even advanced retrieval systems still struggle with them. ToT retrieval requires combining query decomposition, parallel search, intent understanding and personalization. Prior research suggests known-item searches including ToT account for a substantial share of real-world information needs, and searchers in ToT states report greater frustration. Use cases range from finding forgotten games, music and books to email and enterprise document retrieval.
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