unless
uhn-LEHS
Unless (conjunction) means Except if; on the condition that something does not happen. Example: “Unless you leave now, you will miss the last bus home.”
conjunction
1
Except if; on the condition that something does not happen.
"I’m leaving unless I get a pay rise."
"Unless you leave now, you will miss the last bus home."
"You can't go out unless it stops raining."
"Unless part of the staff, you are not allowed beyond this point."
"You can't enter unless you have a ticket."
"Unless it rains, we'll have the picnic outside."
How to use unless
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed to state the one condition under which something won't happen — "if not."
Common mistake
Avoid doubling up negatives, like "unless you don't go" when you mean "unless you go."
Common pairings
unless otherwise stated
unless necessary
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like unless.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ you leave now, you will miss the last bus home.
Etymology
From Middle English "on lesse (than)," meaning "on a lesser condition than" — over time this shifted into the negative-sounding "unless."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “unless” mean?
The word “unless” means except if; on the condition that something does not happen. In plain terms, used to state the one condition under which something won't happen — "if not.".
How do you pronounce “unless”?
“Unless” is pronounced uhn-LEHS (/ɪnˈlɛs/ in IPA).
How do you use “unless” in a sentence?
Here is “unless” used in a sentence: “You can't enter unless you have a ticket.”
What is the opposite of “unless”?
The opposite of “unless” — its antonyms — is if.
What part of speech is “unless”?
“Unless” is a conjunction.
Where does the word “unless” come from?
The word “unless” comes from Middle English. From Middle English "on lesse (than)," meaning "on a lesser condition than" — over time this shifted into the negative-sounding "unless.".
Is “unless” a common word?
“Unless” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between 'unless' and 'if not'?
The two are often interchangeable: 'I won't go unless you come' equals 'I won't go if you don't come.' But 'unless' presents the single exception that would change the outcome, so it can feel more emphatic. 'If not' is more flexible and can attach to a wider range of conditions.
How do you use 'unless' in a sentence?
'Unless' joins two clauses and means 'except if.' It sets the one condition under which the main statement will not hold: 'We'll eat outside unless it rains.' Keep the verb after 'unless' in the present tense for future situations — say 'unless it rains,' not 'unless it will rain.'
Do you put a comma before 'unless'?
Usually not. When the 'unless' clause comes at the end of a sentence, no comma is needed: 'Don't call unless it's urgent.' If you move it to the front for emphasis, add a comma after the clause: 'Unless it's urgent, don't call.' The rule mirrors other conditional conjunctions like 'if.'
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include unless:
