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

Foote and Silvestri alleged that the Ludlow school system has an unwritten policy under which children could decide whether to socially transition at school without their parents' knowledge or consent. —Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026

Even in a do-or-die game where the unwritten rule dictates that absolutely anything goes, these Dubs can only go so far. —Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2026

For Monk-Payton, that expectation functions almost like an unwritten agreement between a show and its viewers. —Precious Fondren, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026

Venezuela’s future remains unwritten. —Oscar De La Rosa, Boston Herald, 3 Apr. 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