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
Westminster’s Mendez Freedom Trail sets in concrete the story of a landmark civil rights court case, in which the ruling 79 years ago Tuesday, April 14, made the segregation of Mexican-American students in California public schools unconstitutional.
—
Victoria Le, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 2026
On April 1, 2026, the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel, known as the OLC, released an opinion claiming that the Presidential Records Act is unconstitutional.
—Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2026
In March 2025, DHS and ICE arrested him at his apartment and detained him for three months before a federal judge ordered his release, declaring the government's justification unconstitutional.
—Mikayla Price, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
But while the debate over Texas’ reading list could have national implications, to the speakers the issue boiled down to whether the passages are essential to understanding the nation’s history and morals — or unconstitutional.
—Heather Hollingsworth, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unconstitutional
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Victoria Le, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 2026
On April 1, 2026, the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel, known as the OLC, released an opinion claiming that the Presidential Records Act is unconstitutional.
—Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2026
In March 2025, DHS and ICE arrested him at his apartment and detained him for three months before a federal judge ordered his release, declaring the government's justification unconstitutional.
—Mikayla Price, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
But while the debate over Texas’ reading list could have national implications, to the speakers the issue boiled down to whether the passages are essential to understanding the nation’s history and morals — or unconstitutional.
—Heather Hollingsworth, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 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 21 Apr. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
