Definition and meaning of English word "unless"
unless
/ʌnˈlɛs/
Meaning
ConjunctionExcept on a specified condition; if not.
How to use
The conjunction 'unless' is commonly used in formal and informal writing to convey a condition that must be met for a particular action to occur. It is often used in clauses that begin with 'if' or 'in case.' For example, 'I'll attend the party unless I have a prior commitment.' One common mistake learners make is using 'unless' incorrectly in place of 'if,' which can change the meaning of the sentence entirely. For instance, 'I'll attend the party unless I have a prior commitment' means the opposite of 'I'll attend the party if I have a prior commitment.'
🇬🇧 English
unless
Example
I'll come unless I'm busy.
I'll eat it unless it's spoiled.
Your personal vocabulary
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Common phrases
- unless otherwise specified— Unless otherwise specified
- unless otherwise agreed— Unless otherwise agreed
- unless otherwise stated— Unless otherwise stated
- in case of emergency— In case of emergency
- on condition of payment— On condition of payment
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #122 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "unless" mean?▼
The English word "unless" means "unless" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "unless"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "unless" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "unless"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "I'll go to the store unless it's raining." (which translates as "unless").
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