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

Many of the women we have spoken to were new to the industry and, unlike Rebecca, said they had been unaware of Sullivan's reputation when they were invited to meetings with him.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

But, unlike Hezbollah, which attacked Israel on March 2, three days after the U.S. and Israeli campaign on Iran, the Houthis had refrained from helping their ally, until Monday.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

Introduced in 2020 and revised for the 2025 model-year, the GV80 is smartly attired, with an urbane flair very unlike the genre’s usual rustications.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

In Texas, counties typically don’t have the power to block development — unlike city officials who wield zoning authority.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

Her family is like my second family—the big difference being that her parents are still together, unlike mine.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell