Unwritten

Existing or understood without being formally written down or expressed in a written document or code. This often refers to customs, rules, laws, agreements, or traditions that are followed and recognized by a group or society, even though they lack explicit written formulation. The term implies a shared understanding or consensus that shapes behavior and expectations. 'Unwritten' can also describe potential, not yet recorded events or narratives, like an 'unwritten story.' Fundamentally, it conveys the presence of something influential that exists outside of formal documentation.

Unwritten meaning with examples

• There's an unwritten rule in the office that employees should arrive 15 minutes early for meetings, even though it's never formally stated in any company policy or memo.
• The small town operates on many unwritten laws of etiquette, influencing how residents interact with each other and demonstrating respect, even without legal enforcement.
• Their handshake sealed an unwritten agreement between them, signifying their shared understanding of the terms of the deal without needing a formal contract created by lawyers.
• The rest of her life was an unwritten book, full of possibilities and adventures waiting to unfold, but still needing action to record her path forward.