# unless

/ənˈɫɛs/ (US) · /ʌnlˈɛs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unless
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. except if

conjunction · CEFR B1

you use this to mean 'except if'. It shows that one thing will happen only if another thing does not happen.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. counterfactual or hypothetical exception

conjunction · CEFR B2

used to talk about an imaginary situation that would have changed the result.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- I will go for a walk unless it rains.
- The store will not accept any returns unless you provide the original receipt as proof of purchase.
- The board of directors will likely approve the merger unless the final audit reveals significant undisclosed debts that threaten the company's long-term stability.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.