unlike

American  

[uhn-lahyk] / ʌnˈlaɪk /

adjective

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

   They contributed unlike sums to charity.

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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

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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

See Examples For:

unlike

She told BBC North West Tonight he had kept in frequent touch with his family, and that it had been "so unlike him not to be in contact with us".

From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2026

You mention that, unlike some of your friends’ kids, yours don’t have access to specific resources.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 8, 2026

For Cohn, pop, unlike rock, offered “a quick hit,” in contrast to album-oriented fare.

From Salon ● Oct. 8, 2026

Scientists surveying underwater mountains off Costa Rica have identified a remarkable new coral that is unlike any known coral family.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 8, 2026

Because we do not have attachments, unlike them.

From "A Rover's Story" by Jasmine Warga