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Unconscious vs Asleep - What's the difference?

unconscious | asleep |

As adjectives the difference between unconscious and asleep

is that unconscious is not awake; having no awareness while asleep is in a state of sleep; also, broadly, resting.

As a noun unconscious

is (psychology) the unconscious mind.

unconscious

English

(Unconscious mind)

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Not awake; having no awareness.
  • She lay unconscious on the floor.
  • Without directed thought or awareness.
  • My sudden fright was an unconscious response.
  • (sports) engaged in skilled performance without conscious control.
  • * 1998 , Charles Rosen, The Cockroach Basketball League , page 144
  • Sam is unconscious , filling it, drilling it from every conceivable angle. Lem is awful and Cooper seems confused. Josh shoots too often.
  • * 1999 , Joseph Leininger, Terry Whalin, Lessons from the Pit: A Successful Veteran of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange , page 10
  • "I was unconscious ," the basketball player gushes. "It seemed like everything I threw up toward the basket went straight in."
  • * 2002 , Alexander Wolff, Big Game, Small World: A Basketball Adventure , page 292
  • Someone who has reeled off a string of baskets will say, "I was unconscious," as if he were following the Zen injunction to be mindful while suspending thought.

    Synonyms

    * insentient, oblivious, out of it, out on one's feet, unaware * (skilled performance without conscious control) in the zone, on a roll

    Noun

    (singulare tantum)
  • (psychology) The unconscious mind
  • asleep

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • In a state of sleep; also, broadly, resting.
  • I was asleep when you called.
    Never disturb a man asleep .
  • (slang) Inattentive.
  • How could you miss that? Were you asleep ?
  • (of a body part) Having a numb or prickling sensation accompanied by a degree of unresponsiveness.
  • My arm fell asleep . You know, like pins and needles.
  • * 2003 , Norma L. Bronoski, Nuns Don't Dance ,
  • Louisa sat in the car crying, until her foot fell asleep . She shook her foot violently, afraid the numbness would turn to frostbite.
  • (euphemistic) dead
  • Usage notes

    * Not used in attributive position.

    Synonyms

    * dormant

    Antonyms

    * awake

    See also

    * pins and needles

    Anagrams

    *