dissimilar

USAGE SUMMARY

"dissimilar" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing two related things or ideas, and noting that they are different. For example: "The two countries have dissimilar cultures and customs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not dissimilar to an outstanding British actor making a movie in Hollywood only to be told he cannot attend auditions back at home until he relocates permanently from Los Angeles to Cricklewood.

The Guardian - Sport

That situation is not dissimilar to what Xiaomi could face if it launches into the world's second biggest smartphone market, the US.

The Guardian - Tech

With the obvious exception of starkly different attitudes to corruption, the two men's leadership style does not appear to be dissimilar.

The Guardian

This is not dissimilar to Lil Kimm's "a lot of napkins" dig in the opening track of her 1996 debut album Hard Core.

The Guardian - Music

Now they must go first to Hove, to lick their wounds against Sussex, then to Old Trafford for the third Test in 10 days' time where they might expect conditions not dissimilar to those in which Monty Panesar and Steve Harmison have been prolific in the past.

The Guardian - Sport

If the economies are dissimilar, then negotiations may bog down as sides argue over different things.This latter phenomenon is visible in a chart published this week in a paper* from the Peterson Institute for International Economics by Peter A. Petri and Michael G. Plummer.

The Economist

Of course Denver, with its snowy winters and warm but wet summers, cannot learn much from Barcelona, with its Mediterranean climate, because they are so dissimilar.

The Economist

Without it, the world might well have ended up facing a downward economic and financial spiral not dissimilar to the terrible traumas of the 1930s.

The Economist

The INLA has a history of murderous internal feuds, its few members in perpetual dispute over the proceeds of drug-dealing and robberies.Billy Wright's reputation was not dissimilar.

The Economist

Last year, Zappos, an online retailer based in Nevada, scrapped formal job postings and replaced them with a new site encouraging candidates to engage with each other and the firm in a way not dissimilar to existing online-dating forums.For the anxious 21-year-old leaving campus for the last time, the worlds of economics and online dating have a few lessons.

The Economist

Rather he described "two nations", the rich and the poor, too dissimilar to ever be united.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dissimilar", ensure you clearly state the aspects in which the compared items differ to provide context and clarity for your reader.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "dissimilar" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for "different" or "unalike" in less formal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "dissimilar" functions primarily as an adjective. According to Ludwig AI, it's used to describe something that is not similar to something else. This is evident in the examples provided, where it modifies nouns to indicate differences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dissimilar" is a versatile adjective used to describe a lack of similarity between two or more things. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and well-suited for formal contexts such as academic writing, news reports, and professional communications. While synonyms like "different" are available, "dissimilar" offers a nuanced way to emphasize the distinctions between compared entities. When using "dissimilar", make sure the sentence contains a clear explanation of what differs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unalike

A direct synonym, but less commonly used.

different

The most common and general term for lacking similarity.

not alike

Focuses on a general lack of similarity.

distinct

Emphasizes clear and recognizable differences.

contrasting

Highlights differences that are notably opposed.

divergent

Implies a gradual moving away from a common point.

disparate

Suggests a fundamental lack of common ground.

varying

Indicates differences within a range or spectrum.

non-identical

Highlights the absence of perfect sameness.

distinguishable

Emphasizes the ability to tell the differences apart.

FAQs

How can I use "dissimilar" in a sentence?

Use "dissimilar" to describe two or more things that are not similar. For example, "The cultures of the East and West are often seen as "different" or "dissimilar".

What is a less formal alternative to "dissimilar"?

In informal contexts, consider using "different", "unalike", or "not alike" as more casual alternatives to "dissimilar".

Is "dissimilar to" or "dissimilar from" correct?

"Dissimilar to" is generally preferred, though "dissimilar from" is also acceptable. Both are used to indicate a lack of similarity between two things.

What's the difference between "dissimilar" and "different"?

While both indicate a lack of similarity, "dissimilar" is often used in more formal or technical contexts, whereas "different" is a more general and widely applicable term.