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

• 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

But I don’t know, it’s probably not unlike the drastic change that another kid at 18 would have going to college,” Rodrigo said in December 2021.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

In the Loyola Marymount poll, unlike the other polls, respondents were given brief descriptions of the candidates, including their occupations and political priorities.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

And unlike many of the usual intermediaries in the Gulf it has not yet been pulled into the conflict.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

He notes that adult Uberabatitan individuals, unlike the younger specimen analyzed, likely faced the same challenges as other large sauropods when trying to stand upright.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

Pua’s skin is fairer than mine, and her straight black hair lies flat, unlike my curly flyaways.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila