subconscious

American  

[suhb-kon-shuhs] / sʌbˈkɒn ʃəs /

adjective

1. existing or operating in the mind beneath or beyond consciousness.

   the subconscious self.

2. imperfectly or not wholly conscious.

   subconscious motivations.

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noun

1. the totality of mental processes of which the individual is not aware; unreportable mental activities.

subconscious British  

/ sʌbˈkɒnʃəs /

adjective

1. acting or existing without one's awareness

   subconscious motive

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noun

1. psychoanal that part of the mind which is on the fringe of consciousness and contains material of which it is possible to become aware by redirecting attention Compare preconscious unconscious

Other Word Forms

• nonsubconscious adjective
• nonsubconsciousness noun
• subconsciously adverb
• subconsciousness noun

Etymology

Origin of subconscious

First recorded in 1825–35; sub- + conscious

Example Sentences

"I often think of locations as a subconscious character in the movie," said the 44-year-old Glaser.

From Barron's • Mar. 8, 2026

It makes more sense that the feeling of family promised by rock touring life would appeal to Charlie Brown; it often calls to creative dreamers and outcasts with a subconscious need to belong.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

The shift in attitude hasn’t been firmly diagrammed; instead, what’s going on here is mostly subconscious, like a collective unlocking of forbidden territory.

From Slate • Feb. 12, 2026

Given the dynamic, subconscious and autonomic nature of interpersonal synchrony, we should all probably give ourselves a break if, unlike Will Rogers, we cannot claim to like everyone we meet.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

My subconscious had dredged up exactly the images I’d been trying so desperately to avoid.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer

Related Words

• psyche