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; 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

We’ve been socially conditioned to avoid the exact behaviors that would create wealth and visibility and leadership and opportunity.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

As the head of Abu Dhabi’s state-owned oil company wrote on Thursday, “This moment requires clarity. So let’s be clear: the Strait of Hormuz is not open. Access is being restricted, conditioned and controlled.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

We have all been conditioned for objects to work intuitively and instantly.

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026

That would whack stocks, as nonprofessional investors have reliably bought every dip because they have been conditioned to believe stocks always rise.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

This bus was air conditioned, and you couldn’t open the windows.

From "Homecoming" by Cynthia Voigt