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

However, unlike the majority of its counterparts, the new Saudi tournament will not be a mandatory event.

Read more on Barron's

And politicians on both sides of the aisle love it, unlike other low-carbon, renewable energy sources.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Oil and gas companies have increasingly come under legal attack over their role in contributing to global warming, yet unlike other industries that face tougher regulations they have not abandoned their climate marketing claims.

Read more on Barron's

“Retail investors are making up a bigger share of daily trading volume too. It’s not unlike what we saw in the late 1990s.”

Read more on Barron's

New York is unlike other cities in placing kindergartners into gifted learning—typically, second or third grade is the norm.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal