Word
unless
Phoneticsun·less, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈɫɛs/
UK/ʌnlˈɛs/
Definitions
01except if
B1 · Intermediate
conj. you use this to mean 'except if'. It shows that one thing will happen only if another thing does not happen.
conj. introduces a condition that must be met to prevent a particular outcome. It is functionally equivalent to 'if... not' in most real or predictive conditional sentences.
“We will have the picnic outside unless it starts to rain.”
“The merger will proceed as scheduled unless the regulatory body finds evidence of a conflict of interest during the final audit.”
Pitfall
I will go to the park unless it will rain.
I will go to the park unless it rains.
In clauses starting with 'unless' that refer to the future, use the present simple tense, not 'will'.
Synonyms
02counterfactual or hypothetical exception
B2 · Upper Intermediate
conj. used to talk about an imaginary situation that would have changed the result.
conj. used to introduce an exception to a hypothetical or counterfactual statement, often following a conditional 'would' clause.
“I wouldn't have called you so late unless it was an emergency.”
“The witness stated she would not have approached the vehicle unless she had heard a cry for help coming from the back seat.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “unless” in context.
Verb
01. cancel unless paid
“The hotel will cancel the booking unless paid in full by tomorrow.”
verb + adv
02. fail unless study
“You will fail unless you study harder for the final exam.”
verb + adv
03. leave unless asked
“I will leave unless asked to stay for the meeting.”
verb + adv
04. wait unless told
“Please wait unless told otherwise by the staff.”
verb + adv
Etymology
From Middle English unlesse, earlier on lesse (modern on + less), from (not) on lesse (than) (“(not) on a less compelling condition (than)”). The quality of negation in the word and the lack of stress changed on to un-.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Grammar
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/unless