Unconscious: meaning, definitions and examples

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unconscious

[ʌnˈkɒnʃəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

mental state

Not awake and not aware of things around you, especially as the result of a medical condition or injury.

Synonyms

insensible, senseless, unaware.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unconscious	This word is typically used in medical or emergency situations to describe someone who is not awake and not aware due to injury, illness, or shock. He was knocked unconscious by the fall. The paramedics found her unconscious on the floor.
unaware	This word describes a state of not knowing or realizing what is happening or what exists. It is often used when someone is ignorant of certain facts or events. He was unaware of the meeting's cancellation. She was unaware that she was being watched.
insensible	This word is often used in a more formal context to describe someone who is incapable of feeling or perceiving things, either physically (due to cold, injury, etc.) or emotionally. The patient's leg was insensible to pain after the surgery. He seemed insensible to the distress his actions caused.
senseless	Use this word to describe someone who is unconscious or when referring to acts that lack meaning, logic, or purpose. It often carries a negative connotation. She lay on the ground, senseless after the collision. It was a senseless act of violence.

Examples of usage

She was found lying on the floor unconscious.
The patient remained unconscious for several hours after the accident.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

feeling or emotion

Not deliberately thought about or planned; instinctive or automatic.

Synonyms

automatic, instinctive, subconscious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unconscious	Also can describe actions or thoughts that occur without conscious awareness, similar to subconscious, but often used interchangeably with less distinction. He had an unconscious tic of tapping his foot when nervous. She was unaware of her unconscious biases.
subconscious	Relates to thoughts and feelings that are just below the surface of conscious awareness, influencing behavior without being directly noticed. Subconscious fears often manifest in dreams. He had a subconscious preference for blue without even realizing it.
automatic	Used to describe actions or processes that are done without thinking, often as a result of habit or routine. Locking the door when you leave the house can become automatic after a while. Her response to the question was so quick it seemed almost automatic.
instinctive	Refers to actions that are done naturally, without the need for conscious thought, often as a result of innate tendencies. His instinctive reaction was to catch the falling vase. Animals have an instinctive drive to protect their young.

Examples of usage

His actions seemed to be driven by some unconscious desire.
She made an unconscious decision to change careers.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Latin roots: 'un-' meaning 'not,' and 'conscious' which is derived from 'conscientia,' meaning 'knowledge'.
It was first used in English in the late 1600s, evolving from the earlier term 'conscious' which meant being aware.

Psychology

Sigmund Freud, a key figure in psychology, proposed that the unconscious mind holds thoughts and memories that are not readily accessible but influence behavior.
Modern psychology recognizes multiple levels of consciousness, including preconscious (things we can be aware of) and unconscious (those we are not aware of).

Science

Research indicates that unconscious processes can significantly impact decision-making, often leading to choices we aren't consciously aware of.
Studies in neuroscience show that our brains continue to process information even when we are not consciously aware of it, influencing our reactions.

Culture

In literature, the unconscious often represents hidden desires, fears, and motivations, exposing the complexity of human nature.
Unconscious themes are prevalent in many classic novels, allowing readers to explore deeper psychological conflicts subtly.

Pop Culture

Films like 'Inception' and 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' explore themes surrounding the unconscious mind and memory.
The concept has also inspired various art movements, encouraging artists to delve into dream-like or surreal representations of reality.

Translations

Translations of the word "unconscious" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inconsciente

🇮🇳 अचेतन

🇩🇪 bewusstlos

🇮🇩 tidak sadar

🇺🇦 несвідомий

🇵🇱 nieświadomy

🇯🇵 無意識

🇫🇷 inconscient

🇪🇸 inconsciente

🇹🇷 bilinçsiz

🇰🇷 의식 없는

🇸🇦 فاقد الوعي

🇨🇿 nevědomý

🇸🇰 nevedomý

🇨🇳 无意识

🇸🇮 nezaveden

🇮🇸 meðvitundarlaus

🇰🇿 ес-түссіз

🇬🇪 უგონო

🇦🇿 şüursuz

🇲🇽 inconsciente

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,159 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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5156 permitting
5157 outlet
5158 angular
5159 unconscious
5160 devil
5161 tooth
5162 counting
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