unless
/ənˈlɛs/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Except on a specified condition; if not.
Conjunction
Examples
I’m leaving unless I get a pay rise.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
If not; used with counterfactual conditionals.
Conjunction
Examples
Who would know of Alexander or Caesar, or would respect the Stoics or the Peripatetics, unless they had been distinguished by the memorials of writers?
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “unless” mean?
Except on a specified condition; if not.
Is “unless” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.