unalike

IPA/ˌʌn.əˈlaɪk/
IPA/ˌʌn.əˈlaɪk/

unalike — adjective

  • unalikepositive
  • more unalikecomparative
  • most unalikesuperlative

1. Showing clear differences when two or more people or things are compared with ea

1.adjectiveC1
Definition

Showing clear differences when two or more people or things are compared with each other.

Example

The two brothers, Caleb and Pedro, are so unalike that strangers rarely guess they are family.

plural subject + be + unalike

Talia and Ingrid sing in the same choir, yet their voices are completely unalike.

contrast pattern: same X, yet unalike

Common collocations
  • completely unalike
  • so unalike
  • remarkably unalike
  • oddly unalike
  • two sisters unalike
Synonyms
  • dissimilar

    More formal and common in writing; works comfortably before a noun, unlike 'unalike'.

  • different

    The everyday word for the same idea; far more frequent and flexible in position.

  • contrasting

    Stresses a sharp, noticeable difference rather than a plain lack of similarity.

Antonyms
  • alike

    Sharing clear similarities; the direct positive form.

  • identical

    Exactly the same in every detail, with no difference at all.

  • similar

    Sharing several features though not the same in every way.

Grammar Patterns

be + unalike

[plural subject] + be + unalike

Usage Note

Almost always used after 'be' or a similar linking verb, with a plural or paired subject ('the two plans are unalike'). It is rarely placed directly before a noun, so prefer 'different' or 'dissimilar' when you need an attributive form.

Common Mistakes

They wore unalike shoes to the party.
They wore different shoes to the party.
'Unalike' usually comes after 'be', not directly in front of a noun.
My answer is unalike to yours.
My answer is unlike yours.
use 'unlike' to compare one thing with another; 'unalike' describes how members of a group differ among themselves.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

'Unalike' describes how the members of a pair or group differ when set beside each other, and it almost always follows 'be' ('the twins are unalike'). 'Dissimilar' carries the same meaning but feels more formal and can sit before a noun, as in 'dissimilar results'. 'Different' is the plain, everyday choice and fits in far more positions, both before a noun and after a verb. 'Contrasting' goes a step further, pointing to differences sharp enough to stand out, as in 'their contrasting styles'. So you might write that two designers are unalike, then add that their contrasting palettes make the gap obvious.

unalike ↗dissimilar ↗different ↗contrasting ↗

Common collocations

Adverbs

  • completely unalike
  • remarkably unalike
  • oddly unalike

Phrases

  • so unalike that
  • no two are ever quite unalike

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

Formed in English by adding the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', to the adjective 'alike'. 'Alike' itself comes from older English words built on 'like', so 'unalike' simply marks the absence of that likeness.

First known use

1817

1817, in the meaning defined above