unlike

American  

[uhn-lahyk] / ʌnˈlaɪk /

adjective

1. different, dissimilar, or unequal; not alike.

   They contributed unlike sums to charity.

---

preposition

1. dissimilar to; different from.

   She is unlike my sister in many ways.

2. not typical or characteristic of.

   It is unlike her to enjoy herself so much.

noun

1. a person or thing differing from another or others.

unlike British  

/ ʌnˈlaɪk /

adjective

1. not alike; dissimilar or unequal; different

2. archaic unlikely

---

preposition

1. not like; not typical of

   unlike his father, he lacks intelligence

Other Word Forms

• unlikeness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of unlike

First recorded in 1150–1200, unlike is from the Middle English word unlik. See un- ¹, like ¹

Example Sentences

Once adult teeth are lost, they’re not replaced – unlike sharks, which continually regenerate teeth throughout life.

From Science Daily • Jul. 11, 2026

And unlike a labor market, there is no résumé for a good friend.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 10, 2026

But in primary schools, unlike secondary schools, suspension rates have risen.

From BBC • Jul. 9, 2026

Trademarks, unlike copyrights or patents, are intellectual property that are not premised on creating value for whoever registers them; they’re about protecting consumers.

From Salon • Jul. 7, 2026

But Starlight Cottage was unlike anything Seven had ever seen.

From "Witchlings" by Claribel A. Ortega