unconsciousness

British  

/ ʌnˈkɒnʃəsnɪs /

noun

1. the state of being without normal sensory awareness; insensibility

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Explanation

Unconsciousness is a state of being unaware of what's going on around you, either because you're not awake or because you're simply oblivious. If you fall asleep during a movie, and your unconsciousness means you'll miss the ending. Even if everyone in your family is mad at each other, your little cousin's unconsciousness of the argument might make it easier to have a peaceful Thanksgiving. And after the meal, the great quantities of food eaten may result in the unconsciousness of half the guests, who doze in the living room, snoring softly. In both kinds of unconsciousness, someone isn't conscious, or aware, of their surroundings.

Example Sentences

According to a peer-reviewed study in the journal Traffic Injury Prevention, Waymo recorded 85 percent fewer crashes likely to cause serious injuries—like broken bones, unconsciousness, or skull fractures—compared to human drivers.

From Slate • Jun. 10, 2025

It has an element of unconsciousness, like in any dream.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2024

My session is tailored around cardiac arrest—the most likely culprit for unconsciousness because of my age and lack of other ailments; other patients might receive more specific disease planning or medical advice.

From Slate • Feb. 13, 2024

"Drowning contributes due to the likelihood of submersion into the pool as he lapsed into unconsciousness; coronary artery disease contributes due to exacerbation of ketamine induced myocardial effects on the heart."

From BBC • Dec. 15, 2023

Nothing seemed clear at first, but as I fell gradually closer to unconsciousness, a few certainties became evident.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer

Related Words

• oblivion