subclinical

American  

[suhb-klin-i-kuhl] / sʌbˈklɪn ɪ kəl /

adjective

Medicine/Medical.

1. pertaining to an early stage of a disease; having no noticeable clinical symptoms.

---

subclinical British  

/ sʌbˈklɪnɪkəl /

adjective

1. med of or relating to the stage in the course of a disease before the symptoms are first noted

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• subclinically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of subclinical

First recorded in 1930–35; sub- + clinical

Example Sentences

Whether the medication caused it, accelerated a subclinical condition, or simply unmasked something already there is nearly impossible to determine.

From Slate • Mar. 22, 2026

But it underscored “that humans ARE susceptible to subclinical infections and possible reassortment risks, which we already knew, I guess.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2025

Treatment benefits in the UF-led study were seen among participants with subclinical depression and anxiety, meaning their symptoms may not meet the criteria for diagnosis.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2024

They did find that participants who scored high for emotional eating did show some signs of subclinical cardiovascular damage 13 years later.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 13, 2023

In addition, because hearing ability exists on a continuum, even subclinical hearing loss can mean a greater risk for dementia.

From Washington Post • Oct. 20, 2022