Meaning & Definition of word "Unwritten"

Unwritten

/ʌnˈrɪtən/

adjective:

  • 1. Not put into writing; not documented.
    • Example: There are many unwritten rules in the office that everyone seems to follow.
  • 2. Not recorded or expressed in a tangible form; existing only in thought or oral tradition.
    • Example: The unwritten history of the community was passed down through generations.
  • 3. Not officially established or recognized; informal or implicit.
    • Example: He followed the unwritten guidelines of etiquette during the meeting.

Etymology

From the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'written', the past participle of 'write'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

unwritten rules:

Rules that are understood but not formally laid out.

unwritten contract:

An agreement that is not documented but is recognized by the involved parties.

unwritten law:

A set of principles or norms that guide behavior without being codified.

Related Words

write:

To compose text or inscribe.

script:

The written text of a play, film, or broadcast.

inscription:

Words written or engraved on a surface.

Slang Meanings of unwritten

Meaning: Something widely recognized without being formally stated.

Example Sentence: In the office, there's an unwritten rule that we don't talk politics during lunch.

Meaning: A code of conduct that everyone seems to follow.

Example Sentence: In our group, we have some unwritten guidelines about how we share tasks.