unlike
Americanadjective
preposition
-
dissimilar to; different from.
She is unlike my sister in many ways.
-
not typical or characteristic of.
It is unlike her to enjoy herself so much.
noun
adjective
-
not alike; dissimilar or unequal; different
-
archaic unlikely
preposition
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of unlike
First recorded in 1150–1200, unlike is from the Middle English word unlik. See un- 1, like 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
And unlike most things you watch these days, viewers of the Prime Video show have the option of watching either in colour or black and white.
From BBC • May 27, 2026
But unlike so many artists from jazz's defining post-World War II period, Rollins lived a long life, remastering his work well into his 80s even as respiratory issues limited his performances.
From Barron's • May 26, 2026
About the size of a golf ball, it looked unlike any known species.
From Science Daily • May 25, 2026
But unlike in past periods when stock valuations have been high, they are still relatively unhappy.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026
He looks so tired and unlike his usual vibrant self, worn down after everything that happened today.
From "The Sea in Winter" by Christine Day
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
