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

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Etymology

Origin of unlike

First recorded in 1150–1200, unlike is from the Middle English word unlik. See un- ¹, like ¹

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

unlike

She went away to study heritage and tourism in Stirling after school, but unlike many of her peers, she returned to Dumfries and Galloway for work.

From BBC ● Oct. 18, 2026

In the process, Tyree notes, the filmmakers reveal that unlike in the past, when captains of industry launched art museums and libraries, this generation isn't as interested in philanthropy.

From Barron's ● Oct. 18, 2026

These materials contain chemical bonds that certain microorganisms can potentially break down, unlike the more resistant structures found in many conventional plastics.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2026

She rarely looked down at her notepad, unlike Raman.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 14, 2026

The school was unlike any she’d ever known, and she was pretty certain Charlotte was going to make her life there as difficult as possible.

From "City Spies" by James Ponti

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