conjunction

unless

un-LES/ənˈles/

Except if a particular condition is met.

The man gets wet in the rain unless he shelters beneath an umbrella.

A compact comparison shows the ordinary outcome and its conditional exception: a man gets soaked in falling rain, whereas the same man stays dry under an open umbrella in otherwise identical rain.
Etymology

On less belonged to the phrase “(not) on a less compelling condition (than).” This made the stated condition an exception to a negative claim, giving the modern meaning “except if.”

In context

Town of Amherst, MA107:15
I would suggest that maybe Aaron drafts something for consideration unless she's already got something
Conservation Commission Meeting Feb 28, 2024

More examples

  • Do not enter unless someone invites you.
  • I will call unless the meeting runs late.
  • Unless we leave now, we will miss the train.

Forms

unless