unconstitutional

play

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

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

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
Judge Kell denied Weaver’s motion to dismiss, saying his claim that Georgia’s Hidden Predator Act is unconstitutional is unfounded.

— ajc homepage, ajc, "Judge drops some claims against Boy Scouts in sex abuse suit," 11 July 2017
The ACLU and the Center for Reproductive Rights have filed a federal lawsuit claiming Arkansas' restrictions are unconstitutional and place too much of a burden on women who want abortions.

— megan friedman, Marie Claire, "In Arkansas, Women Might Need to Get Their Rapist's Permission to Get an Abortion," 11 July 2017
The limited ban will remain in effect while the Supreme Court considers whether the ban is unconstitutional by targeting Muslims.

— alan gomez, USA TODAY, "As Trump travel ban goes into effect, lawsuits begin," 30 June 2017
Moore’s attorneys argued that the flag was an unconstitutional relic of slavery.

— michael harriot, The Root, "Black Man Takes Miss. Flag to Supreme Court Because ... Look at It," 28 June 2017
A civil liberties group pledged a court challenge in Arkansas, saying the monument showed an unconstitutional government preference for a certain religion.

— steve barnes, Alaska Dispatch News, "Man arrested for smashing Ten Commandments monument at Arkansas Capitol," 28 June 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

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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-n^əl, -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