unconstitutional

adjective

un·​con·​sti·​tu·​tion·​al ˌən-ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈtü-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce unconstitutional (audio)
-ˈtyü-
: 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.
Panama’s attorney general is calling on the country’s Supreme Court to declare a contract with port operator Panama Ports Company unconstitutional, in a move signaling a potential ending of the partnership. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 4 Mar. 2025 Legal scholars question what will happen to the Fed if the Supreme Court says independent agencies are unconstitutional. Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 4 Mar. 2025 Lawyers for the plaintiffs on Friday argued that Mr. Musk’s operation was inherently unconstitutional because he had not been appointed by the president nor approved by the Senate, as is required for high-level officials by the appointments clause of the Constitution. Aishvarya Kavi, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2025 Ames’ lawyers argue that the standard is unconstitutional. Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 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 8 Mar. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!