unwritten

adjective

un·​writ·​ten ˌən-ˈri-tᵊn 

1

: not expressed in writing : oral, traditional

an unwritten rule

2

: containing no writing : blank

Synonyms of unwritten

• oral
• verbal
• spoken

Examples of unwritten in a Sentence

They had an unwritten agreement.

an unwritten contract may not be enforceable

Recent Examples on the Web

But his civic legacy is still unwritten. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 8 June 2026

Musk’s own philanthropic story is still unwritten. — Douglas P. McCormick, Fortune, 23 June 2026

In fact, most of the unwritten rules around bathrooms on airplanes come back to this kind of moment, when one person in the wrong spot slows everything down. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2026

The vaunted seats come along with a few unwritten rules and expectations, Favorito explained. — ABC News, 9 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing unwritten

• unwritten constitution
• unwritten law
• unwritten/unspoken rule

Rhymes for unwritten

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

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