unlike

American  

[uhn-lahyk] / ʌnˈlaɪk /

adjective

1. different, dissimilar, or unequal; not alike.

   They contributed unlike sums to charity.

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preposition

1. dissimilar to; different from.

   She is unlike my sister in many ways.

2. not typical or characteristic of.

   It is unlike her to enjoy herself so much.

noun

1. a person or thing differing from another or others.

unlike British  

/ ʌnˈlaɪk /

adjective

1. not alike; dissimilar or unequal; different

2. archaic unlikely

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preposition

1. not like; not typical of

   unlike his father, he lacks intelligence

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• unlikeness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of unlike

First recorded in 1150–1200, unlike is from the Middle English word unlik. See un- ¹, like ¹

Example Sentences

Unlike the competitive Oscars handed out during the telecast, the honorary prizes are presented at a separate ceremony attended by film industry figures, academy members and awards season contenders.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

Unlike a virus, the parasite can’t spread directly from animal to animal, and it requires an open wound to infect an animal, Talbot said.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026

Unlike many mature restaurant chains, Chipotle still has a long runway for expansion.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

Unlike a nuclear-weapons program, an AI lab emits no radiation, handles no controlled materials, and leaves no atmospheric or seismic traces.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Unlike ours, it seems to be empty except for a mass in the back corner, with a faint green glow.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera