unless
word
/ənˈɫɛs/
uhn-LES
/ʌnlˈɛs/
uhn-LES
Definition
Used to say that something will only happen if another thing does not happen; expresses an exception or a condition.
Usage & Nuances
'Unless' introduces a negative condition. It is commonly used to mean 'if...not.' Never use 'don't' or 'not' directly after 'unless' (e.g., not 'unless you don't come', but 'unless you come'). Often used for rules, warnings, or exceptions.
Spanish: a menos que - salvo quePortuguese (BR): a menos que - salvo sePortuguese (PT): a menos que - salvo seChinese (Simplified): 除非Chinese (Traditional): 除非Hindi: जब तक नहींArabic: إلا إذاBengali: যদি নাRussian: если только неJapanese: 〜しない限りVietnamese: trừ khiKorean: ~하지 않으면Turkish: -medikçe -madıkçaUrdu: جب تک نہIndonesian: kecuali jika
Example Sentences
I will not call you unless it is important.
basic
We’ll be late unless we leave right now.
natural
You cannot go out unless you finish your homework.
basic
The shop is closed on Sundays unless there is a special event.
basic
Don’t touch that button unless you know what it does.
natural
He won’t agree to the plan unless we make some changes.
natural