unanalogous

Unanalogous is an adjective meaning not analogous; it describes a lack of meaningful analogy, resemblance, or correspondence between two entities or concepts in a given context. It is used to indicate that there is no parallel structure, function, or causal link that would justify drawing an analogy. The term is formed with the prefix un- attached to the adjective analogous; analogous derives from Latin analogus (via Greek analogos), meaning proportionate or corresponding.

In scholarly writing, unanalogous can be employed to emphasize differences that preclude direct comparison. For example, researchers may say that the developmental pathways of two structures are unanalogous, indicating that different mechanisms underlie their emergence despite superficial similarities. Similarly, two mathematical models might be described as unanalogous when their underlying assumptions, variables, or governing equations do not correspond, so an analogy would be misleading. More common in practice are phrases such as not analogous or nonanalogous; unanalogous is a more formal, less frequent term but acceptable in precise discourse.

See also analogous, analogy, disanalogous.