unconstitutional

play

adjective un·con·sti·tu·tion·al \ ˌən-ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈtü-shnəl , -ˈtyü- , -shə-nᵊl \

Definition of unconstitutional

:not according or consistent with the constitution of a body politic (such as a nation)

an unconstitutional infringement on rights

—

unconstitutionality

play \ˌən-ˌkän(t)-stə-ˌtü-shə-ˈna-lə-tē, -ˌtyü-\ noun

—

unconstitutionally

adverb

See unconstitutional defined for English-language learners

See unconstitutional defined for kids

Examples of unconstitutional in a Sentence

an unconstitutional infringement of rights
The law may be unconstitutional.

Recent Examples of unconstitutional from the Web

The police union sued, claiming the board was unconstitutional, tying it up in court.

— matthew glowicki, The Courier-Journal, "If Louisville's police watchdog group is a bulldog that 'cannot bite,' is it relevant?," 28 Aug. 2017
The police department was criticized for its response to individuals experiencing mental illness in a scathing report by the U.S. Department of Justice that found widespread unconstitutional policing practices last summer.

— kevin rector, baltimoresun.com, "Baltimore barricade ends with no injuries in early test for police department's new Crisis Intervention Team," 23 Aug. 2017
Agpawa, through his attorney, had argued that the law barring him from holding office is unconstitutional and disregards the voting rights of Markham residents who supported him.

— mike nolan, Daily Southtown, "Would-be Markham mayor plans appeal after court loss," 22 Aug. 2017
Kutztown University banned Confederate flags and Nazi flags on campus and student dorms, but was made to lift the ban after it was found unconstitutional.

— melissa cordell, Seventeen, "These Colleges Still Have Confederate Symbolism On Campus — And It's 2017," 17 Aug. 2017
The new penny-an-ounce tax is set to kick in Wednesday after a judge dismissed a lawsuit that challenged the Cook County tax as unconstitutional.

— rafael guerrero, Elgin Courier-News, "Soda tax puts some Elgin businesses at 'competitive disadvantage'," 28 July 2017
A U.S. court of appeals has ruled that Rowan County’s practice of opening commissioners’ meetings with prayer is unconstitutional.

— lavendrick smith, charlotteobserver, "Appeals court finds Rowan County’s prayer before meetings unconstitutional," 14 July 2017
Lopez, 26, had demanded a speedy trial earlier this year after Broward Circuit Judge Ilona Holmes ruled that prosecutors could not legally seek the death penalty because the state's process for ordering executions had been ruled unconstitutional.

— rafael olmeda, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Guilty plea in Sunrise disemboweling case," 13 July 2017
Courts ultimately ruled I-695 unconstitutional, but the Legislature got the message and enacted the change anyway.

— david gutman, The Seattle Times, "Tim Eyman initiative would toss Sound Transit car-tab tax, set state cap of $30," 11 July 2017

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

First Known Use of unconstitutional

1734

Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

UNCONSTITUTIONAL Defined for English Language Learners

unconstitutional

play

adjective

Definition of unconstitutional for English Language Learners

: not allowed by the constitution of a country or government : not constitutional

UNCONSTITUTIONAL Defined for Kids

unconstitutional

play

adjective un·con·sti·tu·tion·al \ ˌən-ˌkän-stə-ˈtü-shə-nᵊl , -ˈtyü- \

Definition of unconstitutional for Students

:not according to or agreeing with the constitution of a country or government

Law Dictionary

unconstitutional

play

adjective un·con·sti·tu·tion·al \ ˌən-ˌkän-stə-ˈtü-shə-nəl, -ˈtyü- \

legal Definition of unconstitutional

:contrary to or failing to comply with a constitution; especially :violative of a person's rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution

an unconstitutional search and seizure

—

unconstitutionality

play \-ˌtü-shə-ˈna-lə-tē, -ˌtyü-\ noun

—

unconstitutionally

adverb

Learn More about unconstitutional

Spanish Central: Translation of unconstitutional Nglish: Translation of unconstitutional for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of unconstitutional for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up unconstitutional? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

unconstitutional

Definition of unconstitutional

unconstitutionality

unconstitutionally

Explore Merriam-Webster

Examples of unconstitutional in a Sentence

Recent Examples of unconstitutional from the Web

First Known Use of unconstitutional

Other Government and Politics Terms

UNCONSTITUTIONAL Defined for English Language Learners

unconstitutional

Definition of unconstitutional for English Language Learners

UNCONSTITUTIONAL Defined for Kids

unconstitutional

Definition of unconstitutional for Students

Law Dictionary

unconstitutional

legal Definition of unconstitutional

unconstitutionality

unconstitutionally

Learn More about unconstitutional

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Trending: Kim Jong Un: Trump a 'Dotard'

Let's Talk 'Tea'

These Are Fighting Words

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

Words of the Year: 1066