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

unconstitutionality

ˌən-ˌkän(t)-stə-ˌtü-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

-ˌtyü-

noun

unconstitutionally adverb

Examples of unconstitutional in a Sentence

an unconstitutional infringement of rights

The law may be unconstitutional.

Recent Examples on the Web

In doing so, Cannon sided with Trump's lawyers who had argued that Smith's appointment was unconstitutional. —Jacob Knutson, Axios, 15 July 2024

Judge Aileen Cannon ruled Monday that Smith's appointment as special counsel overseeing the documents case was unconstitutional. —Katherine Faulders, ABC News, 15 July 2024

The Supreme Court’s conservative majority is skeptical of Smith’s prosecution, so the justices may well agree his appointment is unconstitutional if the issue reaches the high court. —David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2024

She was born Tessie Nelda Prevost in New Orleans on Sept. 26, 1954, four months after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Brown v. Board of Education that segregated public schools were unconstitutional. —Emily Langer, Washington Post, 13 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1734, in the meaning defined above

Kids 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

unconstitutionality

-ˌt(y)ü-shə-ˈnal-ət-ē 

noun

unconstitutionally

-ˈt(y)üsh-nə-lē

-ən-ᵊl-ē

adverb

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

unconstitutionality

-ˌtü-shə-ˈna-lə-tē, -ˌtyü- 

noun

unconstitutionally adverb