unspoken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unspoken" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not expressed in words but is understood or implied. Example: "There was an unspoken agreement between them that they would support each other no matter what."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even British wrestlers know that, which is why whenever any of them ever go and ply their trade in America, they're bound by unspoken duty to immediately change their name to Duke Spiffington and prance around in a monocle to Land of Hope and Glory.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There is a great unspoken paradox about the current politico-fiscal crisis gripping the Republic of Ireland.

The Guardian

The language of clothes is carefully coded as a result of thousands of years of social, cultural and religious lore, and the unspoken rituals that dictate what we choose to wear.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Take NHS Change Day, which is surely the ultimate symbol of the power of a workforce inspired by colleagues and given the unspoken freedom to try something different.

The Guardian

"There is an unspoken truth that too many countries just don't want refugees in Europe at all," said one of the highest ranking EU officials dealing with migration.

The Guardian

Of the original Ashes squad Stuart Broad is injured, Jimmy Anderson visibly exhausted, Alastair Cook in the worst trough of his career, Matt Prior dropped and Kevin Pietersen, who received little support from Giles on the day he was announced in a provisional squad for the World Twenty20, in a kind of unspoken international limbo.

The Guardian - Sport

Sammer wasn't wrong, too, generally speaking but some truths are better left unspoken or should at least be delivered in more diplomatic fashion.

The Guardian - Sport

The unspoken dress-codes of academia are simply a reflection of the wider policing of women's bodies in other professional contexts in western society.

The Guardian

She's talking as if we're circling round some dangerous unspoken subtext and we both know it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is no mention of the fact that they forced guests Janet Street-Porter and Trinny Woodall into performing some sort of veil-based dance in the same photos, but you sense it's the great unspoken.

The Guardian

A lot of it is unwritten, unspoken.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unspoken" to describe agreements, rules, or understandings that are known and followed without needing to be explicitly stated, adding nuance to descriptions of social dynamics or professional environments.

Common error

Avoid using "unspoken" simply to mean something that has not been said. "Unspoken" implies an existing understanding or agreement that doesn't require verbal confirmation. If there's no prior context or expectation, "unsaid" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unspoken" is as an adjective. It typically modifies nouns to describe something that is not verbally expressed but is understood or implied. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unspoken" functions as an adjective used to describe something not explicitly expressed but understood or implied. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It frequently appears in news and media, formal business contexts, and even science, conveying implicit agreements and shared understandings. While alternatives like "tacit" and "implicit" exist, "unspoken" carries a specific nuance relating to mutual awareness. A key writing tip is to use "unspoken" to enrich descriptions of social and professional dynamics where clear articulation isn't needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tacit

Emphasizes agreement or understanding without direct expression.

implicit

Highlights that something is suggested but not plainly expressed.

unvoiced

Focuses on the lack of verbal expression.

unexpressed

Indicates that a feeling or thought is not outwardly shown.

unstated

Suggests that something is not formally declared.

unsaid

Emphasizes that something was not verbally communicated.

understood

Highlights mutual comprehension without explicit communication.

implied

Indicates something is suggested rather than explicitly stated.

assumed

Refers to something taken for granted without proof.

mute

Stresses the silence or lack of expression.

FAQs

How can I use "unspoken" in a sentence?

You can use "unspoken" to describe agreements or understandings that are not explicitly stated but are mutually understood. For example, "There was an "unspoken agreement" between them to keep the secret."

What are some alternatives to "unspoken"?

Alternatives to "unspoken" include "tacit", "implicit", and "unstated". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "unspoken" and "unsaid"?

"Unspoken" implies an existing understanding or agreement that does not require verbal confirmation. "Unsaid" simply means something has not been spoken. For example, an "unspoken rule" is followed without being voiced, while an unsaid word is merely something not uttered.

When is it appropriate to use "unspoken" versus "implied"?

"Unspoken" is best used when referring to understandings or agreements within a group or relationship. "Implied" refers to something suggested or hinted at, which may not be a mutual understanding. An "unspoken rule" is a mutual understanding, while something implied is merely suggested.