unlike

[uhn-lahyk]

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of unlike¹

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

Example Sentences

Outside of retirement accounts, the tax drag on private credit is steep, since most returns are taxed as ordinary interest income, unlike the lower capital-gains tax treatment for private equity.

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The challenges aren’t unlike those of managing one’s own financial portfolio: vetting sources of information, evaluating new products and making informed decisions about complex topics.

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And unlike more conventional fairs, with sterile environments and white booth after white booth, the venue worked particularly well.

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The court has suggested that the Fed, unlike other agencies, is uniquely protected from political interference.

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But unlike the knife, the phone never stays folded.

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