ultra vires

adverb or adjective

ul·tra vi·res | \ ˌəl-trə-ˈvī-(ˌ)rēz

Definition of ultra vires

: beyond the scope or in excess of legal power or authority

Examples of ultra vires in a Sentence

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So these regulations are ultra vires and the courts should strike them down. — WSJ, "It’s Time to Strike Down the Disparate-Impact Doctrine," 11 Apr. 2018 The idea here is that if a corporation is behaving in a fashion that is deemed ultra vires, or exceeding its legal authority, the state must investigate. — Dahlia Lithwick, Slate Magazine, "How state attorneys general could take down Trump.," 15 Feb. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ultra vires.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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The first known use of ultra vires was in 1793

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ultra vires

adverb or adjective

ul·tra vi·res | \ ˈəl-trə-ˈvī-ˌrēz, ˈu̇l-trä-ˈvē-ˌrās

Legal Definition of ultra vires

: beyond the scope or in excess of legal power or authority (as of a corporation) the agency acted ultra vires the agreement was ultra vires — compare intra vires