Word
dissimilar
Phoneticsdis·sim·i·lar, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈsɪməɫɝ/
UK/dɪsˈɪmɪlɐ/
Definitions
01different
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. not similar to something else; having different qualities or features.
adj. not similar; unlike in nature, quality, or form. Often used in comparative structures with the preposition 'from'.
“The two brothers have very dissimilar personalities, even though they look alike.”
“The results of the second study were entirely dissimilar from the first, suggesting that the initial variables had not been properly controlled.”
Usage
Commonly follows the verb 'to be' and is often followed by the preposition 'from'.
Pitfall
The two cultures are dissimilar to each other.
The two cultures are dissimilar from each other.
While 'to' is sometimes used, 'from' is the standard preposition for showing difference in formal English.
Teaching tip
This is a more formal alternative to 'different'. Advise students to use it in academic or professional writing to avoid repeating 'different'.
02something different
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Formal · Technical
n. a person or thing that is not like others in a group.
n. a thing or person that is dissimilar to others. This nominal use is rare and typically found in technical or philosophical contexts.
“In this list of numbers, the odd one out is a dissimilar.”
“The philosopher argued that we only understand the nature of a thing by comparing it to its dissimilars.”
Usage
Rarely used as a noun in modern English; usually functions as an adjective.
Real-World Examples
“In the near future, we will see thinking robots with brains not very dissimilar to those of humans.” “It’s actually not too dissimilar from many machine learning algorithms.” Etymology
From dis- + similar.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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