UNWRITTEN

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does unwritten mean? 

• UNWRITTEN (adjective)
  The adjective UNWRITTEN has 3 senses:

1. based on custom rather than documentation

2. using speech rather than writing

3. said or done without having been planned or written in advance

  Familiarity information: UNWRITTEN used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• UNWRITTEN (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Based on custom rather than documentation

Context example:

rites...so ancient that they well might have had their unwritten origins in Aurignacian times

Similar:

common-law (based on common law)

Antonym:

written (systematically collected and written down)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Using speech rather than writing

Synonyms:

oral; unwritten

Context example:

an oral agreement

Similar:

spoken (uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Said or done without having been planned or written in advance

Synonyms:

ad-lib; spontaneous; unwritten

Context example:

he made a few ad-lib remarks

Similar:

unscripted (not furnished with or using a script)

 Context examples 

He compared the tale, as yet unwritten, with the tales of the sea-writers, and he felt it to be immeasurably superior.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)