English Reference
adjective · noun

unconscious

adj. · n.
US /ˌənˈkɑnʃəs/ UK /ʌnkˈɒnʃəs/ un·con·scious

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    adj.not awake or aware of what is happening, usually because of an injury or illness.

    adj.lacking sensory awareness and responsiveness to the environment, typically resulting from physical trauma, anesthesia, or illness.

    Simple

    The boxer was knocked unconscious for several minutes after the heavy blow.

    In context

    Paramedics found the driver unconscious at the wheel, though his vital signs remained stable despite the severity of the impact.

    insensibleout coldcomatose
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.done or felt without you realizing it or thinking about it.

    adj.occurring without the agent's deliberate intention or conscious awareness.

    Simple

    She had an unconscious habit of tapping her pen when she was nervous.

    In context

    The artist's work often reveals unconscious biases that reflect the social environment of her upbringing rather than her stated beliefs.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Academic Psychology

    n.the part of your mind that contains feelings and thoughts you are not aware of.

    n.the part of the psyche that is not available to introspection but influences behavior and emotions.

    Simple

    He believed that dreams were a way to understand the unconscious.

    In context

    Freudian theory suggests that many of our daily anxieties are rooted in the unconscious, shaped by early childhood experiences we no longer remember.

    Usage

    Usually used with the definite article 'the'.

    conscious mind

But upon returning, she discovers something shocking: the unconscious body of an oil company CEO in her boot, his hands hog-tied together, dangling limply towards the vehicle’s number plate.

The Guardian· 17 Aug 2026

Many were taken prisoner while severely wounded, exhausted, ill or even unconscious, meaning they had little opportunity to resist.

Smithsonian Magazine· 5 Aug 2026

From un- + conscious.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated