unconscious

[ uhn-kon-shuh s ]
/ ʌnˈkɒn ʃəs /

adjective

not conscious; without awareness, sensation, or cognition.
temporarily devoid of consciousness.
not perceived at the level of awareness; occurring below the level of conscious thought: an unconscious impulse.
not consciously realized, planned, or done; without conscious volition or intent: an unconscious social slight.
not endowed with mental faculties: the unconscious stones.

noun

the unconscious, Psychoanalysis. the part of the mind containing psychic material that is only rarely accessible to awareness but that has a pronounced influence on behavior.

Origin of unconscious

1705–15; 1915–20 for def 6; un-1 + conscious

OTHER WORDS FROM unconscious

Example sentences from the Web for unconsciousness

British Dictionary definitions for unconsciousness (1 of 2)

unconsciousness
/ (ʌnˈkɒnʃəsnɪs) /

noun

the state of being without normal sensory awareness; insensibility

British Dictionary definitions for unconsciousness (2 of 2)

unconscious
/ (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

psychoanal 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 of unconscious

unconsciously, adverb

Medical definitions for unconsciousness (1 of 2)

unconsciousness
[ ŭn-kŏnshəs-nĭs ]

n.

A state of impaired consciousness in which one shows no responsiveness to environmental stimuli but may respond to deep pain with involuntary movements.

Medical definitions for unconsciousness (2 of 2)

unconscious
[ ŭn-kŏnshəs ]

adj.

Of or in a state of unconsciousness; not conscious.
Occurring in the absence of conscious awareness or thought, as an emotion or motive.
Without conscious control; involuntary or unintended.

n.

In psychoanalytic theory, the division of the mind containing elements of psychic makeup, such as memories or repressed desires, that are not subject to conscious perception or control but that often affect conscious thoughts and behavior.

Other words from unconscious

un•conscious•ly adv.

Cultural definitions for unconsciousness

unconscious

The part of the psyche lying far below consciousness and not easily raised into consciousness. In Freudian psychology, the unconscious cannot be directly observed with the conscious mind, but it has its own processes and deeply affects conscious thought.