Subconscious vs. Unconscious

Adjective

subconscious (comparative more subconscious, superlative most subconscious)

(psychology, no longer in technical use) Occuring in the part of our mind that we are not normally aware of.

The sense of smell can be a subconscious influence on our actions.

Adjective

unconscious (comparative more unconscious, superlative most unconscious)

Not awake; having no awareness (usually as the result of a head injury).

Synonyms: insentient, oblivious, out of it, out on one's feet, unaware, down for the count, under, lost to the world, senseless

After the anesthetist administered the general anesthetic the patient was unconscious.

(psychology) Without directed thought or awareness.

Synonym: (non-technical) subconscious

My sudden fright was an unconscious response.

(sports) engaged in skilled performance without conscious control.

Synonyms: in the zone, on a roll

Adjective

conscious (comparative more conscious, superlative most conscious)

Alert, awake; with one's mental faculties active.

The noise woke me, but it was another few minutes before I was fully conscious.

Aware of one's own existence; aware of one's own awareness.

Only highly intelligent beings can be fully conscious.

Aware of, sensitive to; observing and noticing, or being strongly interested in or concerned about.

I was conscious of a noise behind me. a very class-conscious analysis

Deliberate, intentional, done with awareness of what one is doing.

Known or felt personally, internally by a person.

conscious guilt

(rare) Self-conscious, or aware of wrongdoing, feeling guilty.

Synonyms

intentional deliberate, voluntary, wilful, see Thesaurus:intentional

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Thursday, December 11, 2025 06:24PM

rk