adjective

asymptomatic

ay-simp-tuh-MAT-ik

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Asymptomatic (adjective) means having a disease, infection or condition without showing any of its noticeable signs or feeling unwell. Example: “A large share of those who tested positive were completely asymptomatic.”

adjective

Having a disease, infection or condition without showing any of its noticeable signs or feeling unwell.

"A large share of those who tested positive were completely asymptomatic."

"The gallstones were asymptomatic and found only by chance on a scan."

How to use asymptomatic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHaving an illness but not feeling or showing any signs of it.

When to use it

Medical in origin but now in general use. It describes both people and conditions: an asymptomatic carrier, an asymptomatic tumour.

Memory tip

Asymptomatic does not mean uninfected. Someone asymptomatic can still test positive and, with some diseases, still pass the infection on.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

presymptomatic subclinical → symptomatic →

Common pairings

asymptomatic carrier asymptomatic infection remain asymptomatic asymptomatic cases

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “asymptomatic” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A large share of those who tested positive were completely _____.

Etymology

From Greek a- 'without' and symptomatic, ultimately from symptoma 'a happening, an occurrence'.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

View more →

symptomless silent subclinical

Antonyms

symptomatic

Related words

quiet understood hidden loud silent mum diagnostic noisy

Rhymes for asymptomatic

static somatic aquatic fanatic hepatic erratic lunatic aromatic ecstatic operatic dramatic climatic

See all rhymes for asymptomatic →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between asymptomatic and presymptomatic?

Presymptomatic means symptoms have not appeared yet but will. Asymptomatic means they never appear at all through the whole course of the infection. The two can only be told apart in hindsight, which is why early reports often mix them up.

Can an asymptomatic person be contagious?

With many infections, yes. Transmission depends on how much virus or bacteria a person sheds, and that can be substantial even when they feel perfectly well, which is what makes asymptomatic spread hard to control.

What is the meaning of asymptomatic?

"asymptomatic" (adjective) means having a disease, infection or condition without showing any of its noticeable signs or feeling unwell.

What is another word for asymptomatic?

Other words for "asymptomatic" include symptomless, silent, subclinical.

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quiet understood hidden loud silent mum diagnostic noisy