unwritten

adjective

un·​writ·​ten ˌən-ˈri-tᵊn 

1

: not expressed in writing : oral, traditional

an unwritten rule

2

: containing no writing : blank

Synonyms

• nuncupative
• oral
• spoken
• verbal
• viva voce
• word-of-mouth

Examples of unwritten in a Sentence

They had an unwritten agreement.

an unwritten contract may not be enforceable

Recent Examples on the Web

There is, however, one unwritten rule: a pontiff can’t take the name of Peter, out of deference to St. Peter, who is traditionally known as the Catholic Church’s first pope. —George Petras, USA Today, 9 May 2025

Aggression arises from desperation, and from violations of unwritten codes. —Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 5 May 2025

The unwritten rule book to erode controversy is simple: Steer clear of religious and/or political themes, and align with widely acceptable moral frameworks. —Viren Naidu, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2025

Related article Remember when Princess Diana danced with John Travolta at the White House? Even Jackie Kennedy — who was celebrated for her ever-appropriate, timeless dress sense — sometimes eschewed the unwritten mandate of wearing American apparel. —Leah Dolan, CNN, 18 Jan. 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