Definition

1. Adjective:
   • In a state of deep and usually prolonged unconsciousness; unable to respond to external stimuli: Describes a person who is in a coma, a profound state of unconsciousness from which they cannot be awakened.
   • Relating to or resembling a coma: Describes a state, condition, or characteristic that is associated with or similar to a coma, such as extreme lethargy or inactivity.

Usage Examples

• Describing a person's medical condition:
  • The patient remained comatose for three weeks after the accident.
  • Doctors are monitoring the comatose child closely.
• Describing a state of extreme inactivity or lethargy (figurative use):
  • The hot, humid weather left everyone feeling comatose.
  • The stock market was comatose for most of the day.

Advanced Usage

• "comatose state": A condition of deep unconsciousness.
  • The injury induced a comatose state.
• Used figuratively to describe something that is extremely inactive, sluggish, or dormant.
  • The project has been in a comatose phase for months.

Variants and Related Words

• Coma (n): The state of deep unconsciousness itself.
  • He slipped into a coma.
• Comatosity (n): The condition of being comatose (a technical/medical term).

Synonyms

• Unconscious: Not awake and aware of one's surroundings.
• Insensible: Without one's mental faculties; unconscious.
• Stuporous: In a state of near-unconsciousness or insensibility.
• Lethargic (for the figurative sense): Sluggish, apathetic.

Antonyms

• Conscious: Awake and aware.
• Alert: Vigilant and attentive.
• Active: Engaged in action; lively.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• To be in a coma: The standard phrase for the medical condition.
  • She has been in a coma since the surgery.
• Comatose sleep: An extremely deep, heavy sleep from which one is difficult to rouse (not a clinical coma).
  • After the long journey, he fell into a comatose sleep.

Adjective

1. in a state of deep and usually prolonged unconsciousness; unable to respond to external stimuli
   • a comatose patient
2. relating to or associated with a coma
   • comatose breathing
   • comatose state