unwritten

adjective

un·​writ·​ten ˌən-ˈri-tᵊn 

1

: not expressed in writing : oral, traditional

an unwritten rule

2

: containing no writing : blank

Synonyms

• 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

Besides anger over the couple’s apparent violation of the internet’s unwritten code of decorum, many were incensed that the couple was charging would-be green card seekers to perform a service that was essentially free. —Johnny Dodd, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025

The unwritten agreement between state and citizen is that the state will use a measure of force for the protection of the citizen, for the benefit of society. —Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 4 Sep. 2025

Culture fit is a complex, multifaceted concept that requires understanding the values, dynamics and unwritten rules of an organization. —Jason Elkin, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025

Jo said Lee is seeking to lock in the terms favorable to South Korea in the trade deal, which remains unwritten and largely unclear. —Stella Kim, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2025

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