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

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Etymology

Origin of unlike

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

unlike

These materials contain chemical bonds that certain microorganisms can potentially break down, unlike the more resistant structures found in many conventional plastics.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2026

A key characteristic of Green SM is that it employs all its professional drivers as full-time, W-2-based employees, unlike Uber and Lyft’s gig-worker model.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 13, 2026

Its standard fare—which, unlike many airlines, is also available in premium economy—includes cosmetic products from celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 12, 2026

"An example of the 'perfectly normal' coexistence" between the two faiths is "the Bolsonaro family," Pastor Gustavo Knauer told AFP, noting that unlike Flavio, Jair is Catholic.

From Barron's ● Oct. 12, 2026

When they are threatened, their response is… well… quite unlike other forest creatures’—and most especially unlike a fox’s.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

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