unlike
gb/ʌnlˈaɪk/ us/ʌnlˈaɪk/
A2
English
~ 2700
Senses
0 senses
preposition
A2
relation
1
different from someone or something
Used to show that one person or thing is not like another.
Usage pattern:
unlike [something/someone], [clause]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'unlike' with 'dislike'. 'Unlike' shows difference, while 'dislike' means not to like something.
Synonyms
different from (More direct and explicit, less stylistically concise than 'unlike'.)
Antonyms
like (Indicates similarity rather than difference.)
Collocations
unlike other people
|unlike anything else
|unlike before
|unlike her brother
Themes
comparison
|description
|contrast
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Unlike his brother, Tom is very outgoing.
- Unlike most cities, this one has no traffic lights.
- The weather here is unlike anywhere else I've been.
- Unlike many politicians, she kept her promises.
Learner examples
- Unlike my sister, I like sports.
- Unlike cats, dogs need more attention.
- Unlike yesterday, today is sunny.
adjective
B1
property
2
not typical of someone or something
Not normal for a person or thing.
Usage pattern:
It is unlike [someone] to [verb]
Common mistake:
Some learners mistakenly use 'not like' instead of 'unlike' in formal writing. 'Unlike' is more concise and idiomatic.
Synonyms
uncharacteristic (More formal and often used in professional or literary contexts.)
Antonyms
typical (Describes something that is normal or expected for someone or something.)
Collocations
very unlike him
|quite unlike her
|so unlike them
Themes
personality
|behavior
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- It's unlike John to be late.
- Her reaction was unlike anything I'd seen before.
- That decision was quite unlike the company.
Learner examples
- It is unlike her to be angry.
- It is unlike him to forget my birthday.
- This is unlike the usual food here.
Grammar
Dictionary form
unlike
IPA
GB/ʌnlˈaɪk/
US/ʌnlˈaɪk/
Syllables & stress
un - like (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (like)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: unlike
Word family
Expressions
not unlike
1/nˈɑt ʌnlˈaɪk/
fixed phrase
somewhat similar to
Used to say that something is similar to something else, often in a slightly formal way.
Examples
- The texture is not unlike that of rubber.
- Her voice was not unlike her mother's.