unwritten

adjective

un·​writ·​ten ˌən-ˈri-tᵊn How to pronounce unwritten (audio)
1
: not expressed in writing : oral, traditional
an unwritten rule
2
: containing no writing : blank

Examples of unwritten in a Sentence

They had an unwritten agreement. an unwritten contract may not be enforceable
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After a 3-0 loss forced the Cubs into Thursday’s elimination game, Crow-Armstrong’s signature postseason moment remains unwritten. Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 If my office is later notified that the city has adopted or implemented a policy, whether written or unwritten, that contravenes the statute, the city will again become ineligible for discretionary State funds. Nwa Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2025 And while the dress code for women is unwritten, and thus open to interpretation, Melania’s strapless outfit existed at its very fringes. Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025 Improving culture means identifying the unwritten rules and deciding which ones help your strategy and which hold you back. Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unwritten

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unwritten was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Unwritten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwritten. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

unwritten

adjective
un·​writ·​ten ˌən-ˈrit-ᵊn How to pronounce unwritten (audio)
ˈən-
1
: not put in writing : oral, traditional
an unwritten law
2
: containing no writing : blank
unwritten pages

More from Merriam-Webster on unwritten

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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