unless
Americanconjunction
preposition
conjunction
preposition
Etymology
Origin of unless
1400–50; late ME prepositional phrase on less (also o less(e) , earlier upon less ) on a lesser footing or condition (than); first used as a preposition and conjunction in the early 16th century; on, less
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
U.S. casualties and damage to American interests would be higher unless the U.S. moved first, the senior official said.
And unless you’re watching some outré arthouse film allowed to play by its own rules, there’s a finite amount of time for the director to communicate the essential building blocks of their story that are necessary for the viewer’s enjoyment.
From Salon
Hughes also keenly understood that, because these personalities were so familiar, his characters wouldn’t stand out to viewers unless they pushed their paradigm.
From Salon
Her inflated self-esteem is a force of nature never wielded unkindly, unless provoked.
From Salon
Druckenmiller said that, given his family office’s long exposure to lots of risk assets, it’s keeping a short position in bonds, which wouldn’t be a big moneymaker unless he’s right and the economy sees disinflationary growth.
From MarketWatch
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
