unwritten

[ uhn-rit-n ]

adjective

1. not actually formulated or expressed; customary; traditional.

   Synonyms: inferred, tacit, understood, implicit

2. not written; not put in writing or print; oral:

   an unwritten agreement.

3. containing no writing; blank.

unwritten

/ ʌnˈrɪtən /

adjective

1. not printed or in writing
2. effective only through custom; traditional
3. without writing upon it

Word History and Origins

Origin of unwritten¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English unwriten; un- ¹, written

Example Sentences

Part of the historic legal case hinged on the interpretation of an "unwritten duty of care" that exists under Dutch law, which requires companies to prevent hazardous negligence.

From BBC

“These things are the unwritten statistics that made Fernando the person, the human being, the man that he was.”

From Los Angeles Times

The unwritten rule to only bet foreign horses in Breeders’ Cup turf races was three for three, with all the winners coming from Ireland.

From Los Angeles Times

Many of the longtime locals are aware when he does, but there is an unwritten code of silence not to reveal this — or his parents’ address — to the media.

From Los Angeles Times

But when she died in 2010, there were several unwritten musicals and many unfinished songs.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accepted
• tacit
• verbal