unless

[uhn-les, uhn-]

conjunction

1. except under the circumstances that.

   I'll be there at nine, unless the train is late.

preposition

1. except; but; save.

   Nothing will come of it, unless disaster.

unless

/ ʌnˈlɛs /

conjunction

1. (subordinating) except under the circumstances that; except on the condition that

   they'll sell it unless he hears otherwise

preposition

1. rare,  except

Word History and Origins

Origin of unless¹

1400–50; late ME prepositional phrase on less (also o less(e) , earlier upon less ) on a lesser footing or condition (than); first used as a preposition and conjunction in the early 16th century; on, less

Word History and Origins

Origin of unless¹

C14: onlesse , from on _on + lesse _less ; compare French à moins que, literally: at less than

Example Sentences

Thomas Tuchel believes England will go into the 2026 World Cup as "underdogs" and says they have "no chance" of succeeding unless they unite as a team.

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The inquiry also heard about the decision by the NHS to keep children out of the healthcare system unless essential and to pause elective procedures for children in March 2020.

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Fair Fight Action CEO Lauren Groh-Wargo told Politico that the challenge would be “permanent” unless Democrats “play offense—redraw where possible, fight back, pass pro-democracy reforms, and hold this corrupted Court accountable.”

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From February 2024, under an amendment to the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act, it became illegal to own an XL bully in England and Wales unless they had an exemption certificate, which allowed existing owners to keep their pet if they met certain criteria such as microchipping their dog and buying special insurance.

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"I don't think it would make a real difference unless it's part of a much broader strategy that includes education, community support, and more consistent enforcement of the laws and standards that already exist."

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