DictionaryAI

unless

conjunction
un-LES/ənˈlɛs/

1 meaning of unless

Practice

  1. 1
    conjunction
    Except if. It tells you the one thing that would stop something from happening or being true.

    Saying 'unless it rains' is like saying 'if it does not rain.'

    We will eat outside unless it rains.

    You can't watch TV unless you finish your homework first.

    UsageFor a future condition, use the present: unless it rains (not incorrect: unless it will rain).

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Origin

From Middle English unlesse, an earlier form on lesse, meaning "on a less compelling condition." The un- came from on because the word carried a sense of negation and lacked stress.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 3 facts