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

For him, that freedom is a way of breaking loose from the genre’s unwritten rules and speaking with his own artistic voice. —Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 20 Jan. 2026

They’re expected to bring new ideas and energy—all while trying to learn the unwritten rules and gain buy-in from their colleagues. —Shanna Hocking, Harvard Business Review, 19 Jan. 2026

There are two immutable truths that govern the NFL playoffs — unwritten rules that cut through the noise of EPA models and talking-head bluster. —Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026

Is there an unwritten rule about being a bland professional and not showing any personality? —Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 3 Jan. 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
• 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