unless

[uhn-les, uhn-]

conjunction

1. except under the circumstances that.

   I'll be there at nine, unless the train is late.

preposition

1. except; but; save.

   Nothing will come of it, unless disaster.

unless

/ ʌnˈlɛs /

conjunction

1. (subordinating) except under the circumstances that; except on the condition that

   they'll sell it unless he hears otherwise

preposition

1. rare,  except

Word History and Origins

Origin of unless¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of unless¹

C14: onlesse , from on _on + lesse _less ; compare French à moins que, literally: at less than

Example Sentences

He’s a black hole of a human being who will never willingly give up the presidency unless someone offers him the title and power of world leader.

From Salon

Unless the Blues and Sterling reach an agreement over a severance package for the £30m remaining on his contract, the earliest we are likely to see the England international play first-team football again is January.

From BBC

As of Thursday afternoon, neither Walgreens nor CVS were allowing adults in California under age 65 to book COVID-19 vaccine appointments unless they attested to having an underlying medical condition — such as asthma, diabetes or high blood pressure.

From Los Angeles Times

They said the lower court setbacks, unless quickly reversed, “gravely undermine the President’s ability to conduct real-world diplomacy and his ability to protect the national security and economy of the United States.”

From Los Angeles Times

It tracks job cuts by company headquarters unless the announcement includes the location of the layoffs.

From Los Angeles Times