subconscious

1 of 2

adjective

sub·​con·​scious ˌsəb-ˈkän(t)-shəs 

ˈsəb-

: existing in the mind but not immediately available to consciousness

a subconscious motive

subconsciousness noun

subconscious

2 of 2

noun

: the mental activities just below the threshold of consciousness

Examples of subconscious in a Sentence

Noun

A person's behavior can be influenced by urges that exist only in the subconscious.

Those feelings had been hidden in her subconscious.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In certain cases, though, holding back can be a subconscious defense mechanism—your mind’s way of protecting you from being let down, Lurie says. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 31 Mar. 2025

But on a subconscious level, does Rick maybe recognize the possibility that Jim is his father, not his father's murderer? —Eliana Dockterman, Time, 31 Mar. 2025

Noun

A lot will be going on behind the scenes (and maybe in your own subconscious). —Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2025

The smallest moments to train your subconscious to have more gratitude. —Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1834, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1878, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for subconscious

• conscious
• preconscious
• unconscious

Kids Definition

subconscious

1 of 2 adjective

sub·​con·​scious ˌsəb-ˈkän-chəs 

ˈsəb-

: existing in the mind but not immediately available to consciousness

a subconscious motive

subconsciously adverb

subconscious

2 of 2 noun

: the mental activities just below the limit of consciousness

Medical Definition

subconscious

1 of 2 adjective

sub·​con·​scious ˌsəb-ˈkän-chəs, ˈsəb- 

1

: existing in the mind but not immediately available to consciousness : affecting thought, feeling, and behavior without entering awareness

subconscious motives

a subconscious reflex

2

: imperfectly conscious : partially but not fully aware

the persistence of subconscious dream activity for several minutes after waking

—Psychological Abstracts

subconsciously adverb

subconsciousness noun

subconscious

2 of 2 noun

: the mental activities just below the threshold of consciousness

also : the aspect of the mind concerned with such activities compare unconscious