unconstitutional
adjective
un·con·sti·tu·tion·al
ˌən-ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈtü-sh(ə-)nəl 
-ˈtyü-
: not according or consistent with the constitution of a body politic (such as a nation)
an unconstitutional infringement on rights
unconstitutionally
adverb
Examples of unconstitutional in a Sentence
an unconstitutional infringement of rights
The law may be unconstitutional.
Recent Examples on the Web
Among the points of discussion during the hearing were whether requirements to display the Ten Commandments in public schools would amount to unconstitutional religious coercion or merely be a passive acknowledgement of a significant historical text.
—
Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
Four of the conservative justices have already issued dissents asserting these laws are unconstitutional.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2026
Cruelty, sadly, is not necessarily unconstitutional, at least not in the eyes of the Court.
—Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2026
Kelly sued Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, saying the move was unconstitutional.
—Connor Greene, Time, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unconstitutional
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Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
Four of the conservative justices have already issued dissents asserting these laws are unconstitutional.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2026
Cruelty, sadly, is not necessarily unconstitutional, at least not in the eyes of the Court.
—Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2026
Kelly sued Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, saying the move was unconstitutional.
—Connor Greene, Time, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unconstitutional
Cite this Entry
“Unconstitutional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unconstitutional. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unconstitutional
adjective
un·con·sti·tu·tion·al
ˌən-ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈt(y)üsh-nəl
-ən-ᵊl
: not according to or agreeing with the constitution of a state or society
unconstitutionally
adverb
-ˈt(y)üsh-nə-lē,
-ən-ᵊl-ē
Legal Definition
unconstitutional
adjective
un·con·sti·tu·tion·al
ˌən-ˌkän-stə-ˈtü-shə-nəl, -ˈtyü-
: 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
unconstitutionally
adverb
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