comatose
Americanadjective
-
affected with or characterized by coma.
-
lacking alertness or energy; torpid.
comatose from lack of sleep.
adjective
-
in a state of coma
-
torpid; lethargic
Other Word Forms
- comatosely adverb
- comatoseness noun
- comatosity noun
Etymology
Origin of comatose
Explanation
Being comatose is being in a coma, unconscious and unable to communicate, often for long periods of time. A bad illness or unexpected accident or injury — especially to the head — can make you comatose and trapped inside a body that isn't working. Comatose comes from the Greek kōma, "deep sleep." When you're in a deep sleep, your body is still and you don't respond to things around you. Being comatose means being in that sleepy, unresponsive state and not being able to get out of it. A much less serious use of this adjective is as a description for getting really tired while doing or watching something, like when you feel comatose after a chemistry lecture — assuming chemistry's not your thing.
Vocabulary lists containing comatose
Game Changer
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Matilda
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He has remained in a comatose state since then.
From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026
The good collides with the bad at such an intense pace that the resulting impact leaves the film comatose.
From Salon • Jan. 25, 2026
Some animals fall into a lethargic and comatose state, while others can turn aggressive.
From BBC • Apr. 8, 2025
Let’s be really real: We’re going to be in a comatose state for several days.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 5, 2024
He remained comatose for more than twelve hours.
From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
