consciousness
noun
con·scious·ness
ˈkän(t)-shəs-nəs 
1
a
: the quality or state of being aware especially of something within oneself
b
: the state or fact of being conscious of an external object, state, or fact
c
: awareness
especially
: concern for some social or political cause
The organization aims to raise the political consciousness of teenagers.
2
: the state of being characterized by sensation, emotion, volition, and thought : mind
3
: the totality of conscious states of an individual
4
: the normal state of conscious life
regained consciousness
5
: the upper level of mental life of which the person is aware as contrasted with unconscious processes
Synonyms
Examples of consciousness in a Sentence
The medication caused her to enter an altered state of consciousness.
The events have become part of the national consciousness.
He hopes that he can raise public consciousness of the disease.
Recent Examples on the Web
Can psychedelics help to restore consciousness in a patient whose awareness is impaired or seemingly gone?
—
Cheri Lucas Rowlands, Longreads, 9 Apr. 2024
These issues, which often appear over minutes, hours, or days later, include:
The level of consciousness does not determine how bad a concussion is.
—Selene Yeager, Health, 8 Apr. 2024
Acknowledging these biases is an important window into consciousness.
—Giuliana Corbo, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
Giving blood, getting vaccinated, or standing on a stuffy, crowded train can result in dizziness and a loss of consciousness for some people.
—Madeleine Burry, Health, 3 Apr. 2024
The trend suggests that a mix of conspiracy theories, confusion and genuine concern about the possibility of climate modification has taken hold in the public consciousness — and among some Republican lawmakers.
—Evan Bush, NBC News, 2 Apr. 2024
The latter song nearly provoked a battle royale in the studio before Lennon stormed out — only to return again hours later, in a chemically altered state of consciousness.
—Jordan Runtagh, Peoplemag, 29 Mar. 2024
The first startling indication of her consciousness is Burnett's beloved yell.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2024
In astrology, the moon's movement during a penumbral lunar eclipse may be associated with subtle shifts in consciousness, emotions and awareness.
—The Arizona Republic, 22 Mar. 2024
Cheri Lucas Rowlands, Longreads, 9 Apr. 2024
These issues, which often appear over minutes, hours, or days later, include:
The level of consciousness does not determine how bad a concussion is.
—Selene Yeager, Health, 8 Apr. 2024
Acknowledging these biases is an important window into consciousness.
—Giuliana Corbo, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
Giving blood, getting vaccinated, or standing on a stuffy, crowded train can result in dizziness and a loss of consciousness for some people.
—Madeleine Burry, Health, 3 Apr. 2024
The trend suggests that a mix of conspiracy theories, confusion and genuine concern about the possibility of climate modification has taken hold in the public consciousness — and among some Republican lawmakers.
—Evan Bush, NBC News, 2 Apr. 2024
The latter song nearly provoked a battle royale in the studio before Lennon stormed out — only to return again hours later, in a chemically altered state of consciousness.
—Jordan Runtagh, Peoplemag, 29 Mar. 2024
The first startling indication of her consciousness is Burnett's beloved yell.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2024
In astrology, the moon's movement during a penumbral lunar eclipse may be associated with subtle shifts in consciousness, emotions and awareness.
—The Arizona Republic, 22 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'consciousness.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
First Known Use
1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing consciousness
Articles Related to consciousness
Dictionary Entries Near consciousness
Cite this Entry
“Consciousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consciousness. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
consciousness
noun
con·scious·ness
ˈkän-chəs-nəs
1
: the condition of being conscious
2
: the normal state of conscious life in contrast to sleep or an insensible state
3
: the part of mental life that involves conscious thought and awareness
Medical Definition
consciousness
noun
con·scious·ness
ˈkän-chə-snəs
1
: the totality in psychology of sensations, perceptions, ideas, attitudes, and feelings of which an individual or a group is aware at any given time or within a given time span
altered states of consciousness, such as sleep, dreaming and hypnosis—Bob Gaines
Bob Gaines2
: waking life (as that to which one returns after sleep, trance, or fever) in which one's normal mental powers are present
the ether wore off and the patient regained consciousness
3
: the upper part of mental life of which the person is aware as contrasted with unconscious processes
More from Merriam-Webster on consciousness
Nglish: Translation of consciousness for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of consciousness for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about consciousness
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