Definition of 'unconscious'

Word Frequency

unconscious

(ʌnkɒnʃəs )

1. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE, ADJECTIVE noun, ADJECTIVE after verb]

Someone who is unconscious is in a state similar to sleep, usually as the result of a serious injury or a lack of oxygen.

By the time ambulancemen arrived he was unconscious.

Synonyms: senseless, knocked out, out cold [informal], out More Synonyms of unconscious

unconsciousness uncountable noun

He knew that he might soon lapse into unconsciousness.

Synonyms: insensibility, oblivion, blackout, coma More Synonyms of unconscious

2. adjective

If you are unconscious of something, you are unaware of it.

He himself seemed totally unconscious of his failure. [+ of]

Mr Battersby was apparently quite unconscious of their presence.

Synonyms: unaware, ignorant, oblivious, unsuspecting More Synonyms of unconscious

unconsciously adverb [usually ADVERB with verb, oft ADVERB adjective]

He watched the game very intently and often unconsciously swung his right leg.

3. adjective

If feelings or attitudes are unconscious, you are not aware that you have them, but they show in the way that you behave.

Unconscious envy manifests itself very often as this kind of arrogance.

'You're well out of it,' Christopher said with unconscious brutality.

Synonyms: unintentional, unwitting, unintended, inadvertent More Synonyms of unconscious

unconsciously adverb [ADVERB with verb, ADVERB adjective]

She may be trying unconsciously to draw attention to herself.

I think racism is unconsciously inherent in practically everyone.

4. singular noun

Your unconscious is the part of your mind that contains feelings and ideas that you do not know about or cannot control.

In examining the content of the unconscious, Freud called into question some deeply-held beliefs.

More Synonyms of unconscious

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Synonyms of "unconscious"

French Definition of "unconscious"

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Video: pronunciation of 'unconscious'

Word Frequency

unconscious in British

(ʌnˈkɒnʃəs )

adjective

lacking normal sensory awareness of the environment; insensible

not aware of one's actions, behaviour, etc

unconscious of his bad manners

characterized by lack of awareness or intention

an unconscious blunder

coming from or produced by the unconscious

unconscious resentment

noun

5. psychoanalysis

the part of the mind containing instincts, impulses, images, and ideas that are not available for direct examination

See also collective unconscious, Compare subconscious, preconscious

Derived forms

unconsciously (unˈconsciously)

adverb

Word Frequency

unconscious in American

(ʌnˈkɑnʃəs )

adjective

not endowed with consciousness; mindless

temporarily deprived of consciousness

unconscious from a blow on the head

not aware (of)

unconscious of his mistake

not known, realized, or intended; not done, said, etc. on purpose

an unconscious habit, unconscious humor

not aware of one's own existence; not conscious of self

having to do with those of one's mental processes that one is unable to bring into one's consciousness

Idioms:

the unconscious

Derived forms

unconsciously (unˈconsciously)

adverb

unconsciousness (unˈconsciousness)

noun

Example sentences containing 'unconscious'

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…

Other explanations could include conscious or unconscious discrimination or more subtle employment processes that led to cultural matching in the workplace. Times, Sunday Times (2017)We will go on learning about ourselves and about our conscious and unconscious minds. Times, Sunday Times (2006)This is a language of the collective unconscious. Siegel, Bernie S. (MD) Love, Medicine and Miracles (1990)The unconscious mind is your larger mind. Times, Sunday Times (2007)The dramatic chase leaves one person unconscious. The Sun (2011)We all have implicit or unconscious biases that impact our behavior. Christianity Today (2000)He was unconscious by the time he was hauled back. The Sun (2011)The resulting pamphlet is quite unconscious of its own courage. Diane Purkiss The English Civil War: A People's History (2006)Recent work has confirmed this unconscious awareness. Siegel, Bernie S. (MD) Love, Medicine and Miracles (1990)Police who spotted their torch found one unconscious. The Sun (2007)School leaders also have a responsibility to tackle unconscious bias where it creeps in. Times, Sunday Times (2014)He was unconscious by the time he reached the surface and was declared dead by paramedics. The Sun (2013)They chatted for ten minutes before he is next seen picking up her limp and apparently unconscious body. The Sun (2015)Your unconscious mind will come up with new ways of looking at things and answers to your problems. Times, Sunday Times (2007)If we set our intention, often our unconscious mind will follow. Times, Sunday Times (2008)You shouldn't mess with the collective unconscious of the nation like that. Times, Sunday Times (2011)It is often unconscious but no less damaging for that,' he said. Times, Sunday Times (2008)One of the crew said: 'She was missing overnight and was unconscious for quite a while. The Sun (2010)Half paralysed and often unconscious, she was returned to Mombasa and put on a ship for home. Cameron, Kenneth M Into Africa - a social history of the East African Safari (1989)Politicians and commentators have an unconscious need to persuade themselves - and a conscious need to persuade their audience - that this crash was avoidable. Times, Sunday Times (2011)

Quotations

The images of the unconscious place a great responsibility upon a man. Failure to understand them, or a shirking of ethical responsibility, deprives him of his wholeness and imposes a painful fragmentariness on his lifeCarl Jung Memories, Dreams, Reflections