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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

unless

In reality, unless you relocate to one of the few countries that offer fast-track “citizenship by investment” programs, this choice isn’t even a possibility.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 16, 2026

“The swing is obviously very impressive, but you don’t get there unless you’re staying focused pitch to pitch and not giving in.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 15, 2026

“The problem with the online world is that people can say insane things, and it becomes conventional wisdom unless you have an alternative.”

From Slate ● Oct. 15, 2026

Fashion giants ranging from Adidas to Alexander McQueen have been targeted by cyber-criminals seeking to extort money by threatening to release customer data unless they are paid a ransom.

From BBC ● Oct. 13, 2026

“Rations day was yesterday. Father doesn’t trade unless it’s rations day.”

From "Rump: The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstilskin" by Liesl Shurtliff

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