Unwritten
ʌnˈrɪtn
Definitions
Not recorded or expressed in writing; not put down in words.
ʌnˈrɪtn
Not recorded in writing
The agreement was based on unwritten understandings between the two parties.
💡 Simply: Think of a secret handshake or a tradition your family has. That's like an unwritten rule—everybody knows it, but it's not written down anywhere!
👶 For kids: Something that is not written down.
More Examples
Much of the cultural heritage of indigenous communities is preserved through unwritten traditions and oral storytelling.
There are unwritten rules in the workplace about how employees should interact with each other.
How It's Used
"Unwritten laws often rely on custom and precedent."
"The early history of the tribe was based on unwritten stories passed down through generations."
"There are unwritten rules of etiquette that everyone is expected to know."
Idioms & expressions
unwritten law
A rule or custom that is generally accepted and followed, but is not formally written down.
"There's an unwritten law in journalism about verifying all sources."
From Old English *unwrītan*, equivalent to un- + written. The prefix "un-" negates the base word "written."
The term has been used since the early 17th century to describe something not recorded in words.
Memory tip
Imagine a blank page representing something that hasn't been written down; it's unwritten.
Word Origin
"to write, inscribe"