conditioned

American  

[kuhn-dish-uhnd] / kənˈdɪʃ ənd /

adjective

1. existing under or subject to conditions.

2. characterized by a predictable or consistent pattern of behavior or thought as a result of having been subjected to certain circumstances or conditions.

3. Psychology. proceeding from or dependent on a conditioning of the individual; learned; acquired.

   conditioned behavior patterns.

4. made suitable for a given purpose.

   Synonyms:

   adjusted

5. accustomed; inured.

   Synonyms:

   used to

6. air-conditioned.

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conditioned British  

/ kənˈdɪʃənd /

adjective

1. psychol of or denoting a response that has been learned Compare unconditioned

2. (foll by to) accustomed; inured; prepared by training

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Other Word Forms

• nonconditioned
  adjective
• self-conditioned
  adjective
• semiconditioned
  adjective
• well-conditioned
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of conditioned

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; see origin at condition, -ed ²

Explanation

If you're conditioned to expect something, it means you've learned over time or been taught to anticipate it. Many people become conditioned to eat something sweet after dinner. Most adults, through the habit of brushing their teeth every morning and night for their whole lives, become conditioned to brush regularly. In other words, they've been taught or trained to do it. Another way to be conditioned is to be in great physical shape: "I've never felt so conditioned as when I took that tap dancing class!" The adjective conditioned comes from the Old French condicion, "stipulation, state, or behavior."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

conditioned

The agreement is conditioned on the participation of 95% of remaining claims.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026

“During the previous decade, we experienced extraordinarily low inflation, near zero interest rates, relatively stable globalization, and abundant capital. So those conditions may have conditioned us to think that environment was normal,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 25, 2026

They're just an opportunity for certain broadcasters to show more ads, they break up the natural flow of games, and are unnecessary in air conditioned stadiums.

From BBC ● Jun. 22, 2026

“No. I’ve been conditioned, but it’s taken years,” he says.

From Barron's ● Jun. 18, 2026

Listeners had been conditioned to pay close attention to these bulletins.

From "Spooked!" by Gail Jarrow