unless
Americanconjunction
preposition
conjunction
preposition
Etymology
Origin of unless
1400–50; late ME prepositional phrase on less (also o less(e) , earlier upon less ) on a lesser footing or condition (than); first used as a preposition and conjunction in the early 16th century; see on, less
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Washington is said to have warned it would halt such talks unless the legal protections of Coupang chairman Kim Bom -- an American citizen also known as Kim Bom-suk -- were guaranteed.
From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026
But unless Tuchel decides to play Rogers on the left against Croatia, only one of the duo will be in that particular line-up.
From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026
You will not see Daleks running a seaside hotel, or yelling “exterminate” unless termites have gotten into the foundation; Cybermen will not be going into public relations.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026
Don’t make that trade unless health, longevity, or cash-flow constraints force the decision on independent grounds.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026
Opal kept busy with the names, unless the miller was present, and when Archie needed feeding she seemed quite peeved to have to stop.
From "Rump: The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstilskin" by Liesl Shurtliff
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
