unlike

un-LYK/ʌnˈlaɪk/

10 meanings of unlike

1
in contrastpreposition
Not the same as someone or something else. You use it to show how two things are different.
Like a cat next to a dog: they are not the same.
Unlike her sister, she loves cold weather.
This phone, unlike the old one, takes great photos.
UsageOften at the start, with a comma after it: Unlike her sister, she ...
Similardifferent from, in contrast to
2
dissimilaradjective
Different from someone or something else.
The two brothers are completely unlike.
Their two gardens could hardly be more unlike: one is neat, one is wild.
UsageSay two things are unlike or look unlike, often unlike each other.
Similardifferent, dissimilar, distinct
Oppositealike, similar, like
Note
3
not typicalpreposition
Not how a certain person usually behaves.
It is unlike her to forget a birthday.
Shouting in public is unlike him.
UsageSay it's unlike her to forget, when someone acts in a way they usually don't.
Oppositelike

Practice

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Origins

Meanings 1–3, 5, 7, 9

From Old English unlīċ meaning "different, not alike." It is made of un- plus "like."

Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 2 facts

Unlike descends from Old English unlīċ, meaning different or not alike. en.wiktionary.org
Unlike consists of un- plus like. en.wiktionary.org

Meanings 4, 6, 8

From Middle English unliken, made of un- plus "like."

Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 1 fact

The verb unlike derives from Middle English unliken and is formed from un- plus like. en.wiktionary.org