A2adjective1K

Asleep

UK /["/əˈsliːp/"]/US /["/əˈsliːp/"]/

Definition

sleeping

In simple words: not awake; in a state of sleep

Examples

  • I waited until they were all **fast asleep** *(= sleeping deeply)*.
  • The baby was **sound asleep** *(= sleeping deeply)* upstairs.
  • He was so exhausted that he **fell asleep** at his desk.
  • My mother **fell asleep at the wheel** *(= while driving)* and crashed into a tree.
  • She was still **half asleep** *(= not fully awake)* when she arrived at work.
  • The police found him asleep in a garage.
  • I couldn't move straight away, as my leg was completely asleep.
  • They were asleep on the job as the financial crisis deepened.
  • Let's hope the regulators are not asleep at the wheel.
  • Somebody must have been asleep at the switch to allow this to happen.

Usage notes

Used to describe someone who is sleeping. Suitable in both informal and formal contexts. Avoid using in situations requiring active engagement or alertness.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Sounds like 'a-sleep' — imagine someone lying in bed peacefully sleeping.

Collocations

  • be
  • lie
  • seem
  • deeply
  • fast
  • sound

Synonyms

  • numb

Antonyms

  • awake
  • alert

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'sleep' vs 'asleep' — 'sleep' is a noun, 'asleep' is an adjective.
  • Using 'asleep' as a verb — 'asleep' cannot be used this way.
  • Omitting 'asleep' with certain subjects — remember to use it with a subject to clarify who is sleeping.