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

Unlike the black holes created by collapsing stars, these hypothetical objects could range in size from something as small as an asteroid to much larger bodies.

From Science Daily • Jul. 3, 2026

Unlike their Napa Valley dwelling, which had been left vacant since 2018, the couple’s former home offers incredible design details, as well as an alluring proximity to wine country.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 2, 2026

Unlike flu or Covid it is not an airborne virus so is not spread simply by being near an infected person.

From BBC • Jun. 30, 2026

Unlike proving the negative, as in Mackey, here the desired deceptive outcome will be actual votes for Decoy Dan.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026

Unlike washing the dead, payment could be received for shemira, since it was for the benefit of the living.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros