## Etymology
From Middle English unlesse, earlier on lesse (modern on + less), from (not) on lesse (than) (“(not) on a less compelling condition (than)”). The quality of negation in the word and the lack of stress changed on to un-.

## AI Etymology
Unless is from Middle English unlesse, earlier on lesse (modern on + less), from (not) on lesse (than) (“(not) on a less compelling condition (than)”). The quality of negation in the word and the lack of stress changed on to un-. The historical line also includes Middle English unlesse. In present-day use, it can mean except if; used to say something will happen if a condition is not met. Derived formations include unlesss.

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