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.

---

noun

• subconsciouses
  plural

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

---

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

Derived Forms

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

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• subconsciouses
  plural

Etymology

Origin of subconscious

First recorded in 1825–35; sub- + conscious

Explanation

Subconscious describes something that is just below your awareness, like at a subconscious level hoping your friend's boyfriend breaks up with her — you didn't even realize you felt that way until it happened. If you are aware of something, you are conscious of it, like being conscious of your tendency to talk too much when you are nervous: you watch for it and try to control it. Most words that start with the prefix sub- are something “under” the root word: something subconscious is under or below your awareness. Maybe in time, it will surface — you might get to the root of why you get so nervous in the first place.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

subconscious

So I think wanting to work with your subconscious and wanting to explore aspects of yourself that are usually hidden is just a very thrilling thought.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 2026

On a subconscious level, its fans are returning the favor.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 1, 2026

When I walked into the arcade, I experienced a feeling I’d stuffed down into my subconscious for decades: the stultifying awkwardness of a middle school dance.

From Slate ● Jun. 25, 2026

"It's better to get out of that environment. Negative things are happening in the subconscious and you have to change to get into a better state."

From BBC ● Apr. 26, 2026

Early the next morning I was strolling around as usual in my unpleasantly populated subconscious when I heard Edmond’s voice very close to my ear saying Daisy Wake Up!

From "How I Live Now" by Meg Rosoff

Related Words

• psyche