# unspoken

/ənˈspoʊkən/ (US) · /ʌnspˈəʊkən/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unspoken
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

understood by everyone involved even though nobody has said it out loud. It describes a feeling, a rule, or an agreement that is clear without words.

For teachers: not expressed in speech; understood or agreed upon without being articulated. Often describes social norms, agreements, or emotional tensions that remain implicit.

## Examples

- They have an unspoken agreement to share the chores.
- There was an unspoken rule in the office that no one should talk about work during the lunch break.
- The tension between the two rivals was palpable, rooted in an unspoken history of competition that everyone in the room acknowledged but no one dared to mention.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun like 'rule', 'agreement', or 'understanding'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.