conjunction
unless
uhn-LEHS
conjunction
1
Except if; on the condition that something does not happen.
"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
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You can't enter _____ you have a ticket.
Etymology
From Middle English "on lesse (than)," meaning "on a lesser condition than" — over time this shifted into the negative-sounding "unless."