unwritten

adjective

un·​writ·​ten ˌən-ˈri-tᵊn 

1

: not expressed in writing : oral, traditional

an unwritten rule

2

: containing no writing : blank

Synonyms

• nuncupative
• oral
• spoken
• verbal
• viva voce
• word-of-mouth

Examples of unwritten in a Sentence

They had an unwritten agreement.

an unwritten contract may not be enforceable

Recent Examples on the Web

Three unwritten rules in Hollywood are: don’t act with children, don’t act with dogs and don’t play President of the United States. —Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Feb. 2025

Are there certain unwritten rules or specific etiquette that people should follow when picking up their luggage at the baggage carousel at the airport? —Sydney Borchers, Fox News, 29 Jan. 2025

The terrorist designation, some fear, may challenge that unwritten rule. —John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025

Halloween should be an exciting holiday for anyone who participates, but not everyone adheres to the unwritten expectations of door-knocking and candy-giving. —Kim Bojórquez, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing unwritten

• unwritten constitution
• unwritten law

Rhymes for unwritten

• handwritten
• rewritten
• typewritten
• bitten
• briton
• chiton
• gittin
• kitten
• mitten
• smitten
• whitten
• written

Kids Definition

unwritten

adjective

un·​writ·​ten ˌən-ˈrit-ᵊn 

ˈən-

1

: not put in writing : oral, traditional

an unwritten law

2

: containing no writing : blank

unwritten pages