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

Reiner has pleaded not guilty to the stabbings and remains legally innocent unless he changes his plea or is convicted by a jury.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 16, 2026

Don’t give up the bonus unless you determine that it really would leave you better off.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 14, 2026

With DoorDash for the coffee run and AI to answer the phone, there is little reason to bring in college kids unless they can pull their weight on meaningful tasks.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 13, 2026

The future of endangered species across the world could be affected unless the government brings in new laws soon, to make it easier to transfer animals around the globe, conservationists say.

From BBC ● Aug. 13, 2026

“These are the staff elevators. All employees are required to use these elevators unless they are escorting customers.”

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu