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

That smacks of an unwritten tax on trade, widening the competitiveness gap between local firms and global peers. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2026

The skill of operating in your organization’s context is far harder to replace or teach – the know-how that makes someone effective in your culture, with your systems, your routines, your unwritten rules. — Ravin Jesuthasan, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026

Every franchise has their own unwritten rules and code of ethics. — Maer Roshan, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026

In the unwritten rules of baseball, bunting while a pitcher is throwing a perfect game is very much frowned upon. — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 3 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