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.

---

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

---

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

“It was a good result for him. I use him as an example of people who don’t think about consulting an attorney unless you are in jail.”

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 25, 2026

It is unlikely he would have been in the team for the second Test at Lord's, unless one of England's four frontline seamers from Headingley suffered a fitness issue.

From BBC ● Aug. 24, 2026

They may one day go away unless community members, young and old, provide support.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 23, 2026

“That’s not something that a large corporation could really capture unless they’re having the one-on-one conversations with each of these buyers, as I am,” Adeyemo said.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 22, 2026

“Whoa, whoa, there! Don’t just stand there, miss— unless you want to be run through by a bunch of sea knaves?”

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood