unconstitutional

adjective

un·​con·​sti·​tu·​tion·​al ˌən-ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈtü-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce unconstitutional (audio)
-ˈtyü-
Synonyms of unconstitutionalnext
: not according or consistent with the constitution of a body politic (such as a nation)
an unconstitutional infringement on rights
unconstitutionality noun
unconstitutionally adverb

Examples of unconstitutional in a Sentence

an unconstitutional infringement of rights The law may be unconstitutional.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Plaintiffs argue that enforcing time, place and manner restrictions against only one group amounts to unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination. David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 18 Dec. 2025 The order is now being challenged in federal court as an unconstitutional effort to punish the organization simply because of its views. Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 18 Dec. 2025 An amendment to the state constitution and legislation in 1972 and 1973 responded by making the death penalty mandatory in certain cases, but in 1976 the state Supreme Court ruled that such mandatory sentences were unconstitutional. Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 17 Dec. 2025 The full 11th Circuit agreed to hear the case earlier this month, vacating a May decision by a three-member panel of the court, which declared that the law was likely unconstitutional. Samantha Riedel, Them., 17 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unconstitutional

Word History

First Known Use

1734, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unconstitutional was in 1734

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unconstitutional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unconstitutional. Accessed 24 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

unconstitutional

adjective
un·​con·​sti·​tu·​tion·​al ˌən-ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈt(y)üsh-nəl How to pronounce unconstitutional (audio)
-ən-ᵊl
: not according to or agreeing with the constitution of a state or society
unconstitutionality 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- How to pronounce unconstitutional (audio)
: 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 noun
unconstitutionally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on unconstitutional

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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