unless
- except under the circumstances that: I'll be there at nine, unless the train is late.
- except; but; save: Nothing will come of it, unless disaster.
Origin of unless
Examples from the Web for unless
Contemporary Examples of unless
Unless there is a court decision that changes our law, we are OK.
In some ways I never got out of that unless realizing… well, that kind of seals it off.
Unless Cuba sends them back, you might consider following the now lifted embargo with your own personal boycott.
Unless you were in China on November 11, you might have missed it.
Unless there is “a clear national security or law enforcement need,” the bias would lean toward disclosure.
Historical Examples of unless
"Unless it should be his gracious pleasure to dispense with obedience," replied Artaphernes.
PhilotheaLydia Maria Child
But unless he did something a hundred lives perhaps might be lost.
Brave and BoldHoratio Alger
Unless you do as I bid you, I will keep you in irons for the rest of the voyage!
Brave and BoldHoratio Alger
"That'll be enough for us, unless you are very hungry," said Robert.
Brave and BoldHoratio Alger
Unless we are fortunate enough to find some, retreat is inevitable.
Explorations in AustraliaJohn Forrest
unless
- (subordinating) except under the circumstances that; except on the condition thatthey'll sell it unless he hears otherwise
- rare except
Word Origin for unless
Word Origin and History for unless
mid-15c., earlier onlesse, from on lesse (than) "on a less condition (than)," the first syllable originally on, but the negative connotation and the lack of stress changed it to un-.