nonwritten

Nonwritten is an adjective describing something that is not recorded in writing. It characterizes information, norms, agreements, or traditions that are conveyed or understood without formal textual documentation. The term appears across disciplines to distinguish things that exist or are transmitted without a written record from those that are written down.

Common contexts include nonwritten law, referring to norms and practices that guide behavior without statute; nonwritten traditions within cultures or organizations; and nonwritten agreements such as handshake deals that rely on trust rather than a signed contract. In linguistics and anthropology, nonwritten forms of communication or knowledge refer to oral transmission, memorized lore, or performative practices that are not captured in writing.

Etymology and usage notes: nonwritten is formed from the prefix non- and the adjective written. The form is less common than unwritten in everyday English, and some writers prefer non-written or use unwritten instead, depending on stylistic guidance. Nonwritten emphasizes the absence of a written record as a defining feature, rather than simply describing something not yet written. Related terms include unwritten, oral, and tacit, which describe similar ideas in slightly different contexts.