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

Karmelo Anthony’s bid to overturn his murder conviction returns to court in McKinney, Texas, Friday after his former lawyer testified that a dispute over an unwritten agreement helped keep Anthony from taking the stand. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026

A little organization goes a long way; knowing the island’s unwritten rules goes even further. — Chloe Sachdev, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026

For all but three, the film was their feature debut, although that didn’t stop them from immediately breaking the unwritten rules of directing. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026

For decades, there has been an unwritten rule that emotions belong outside the workplace. — Naira Velumyan, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 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