unless

American  

[uhn-les, uhn-] / ʌnˈlɛs, ən- /

conjunction

1. except under the circumstances that.

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

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preposition

1. except; but; save.

   Nothing will come of it, unless disaster.

unless British  

/ ʌnˈlɛs /

conjunction

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

   they'll sell it unless he hears otherwise

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preposition

1. rare except

Etymology

Origin of unless

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; see on, less

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

unless

Analysts say Winter's rising star could siphon votes from Smotrich's base, potentially preventing his Religious Zionism party from clearing the electoral threshold of 3.25 percent unless it joins a list with another party.

From Barron's ● Aug. 28, 2026

“You can’t get trash service unless you have an address.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2026

In a surprise move, Meta said it would pay out only 70% of the settlement unless TikTok and YouTube also agree to time limits.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026

She said earlier this month: "It is critical that no abuser is released in October unless I am confident that victims' safety is not being compromised."

From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2026

And unless Babs plans on coming back to the Ranch with us, it doesn’t matter who she is, either.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy