unconstitutional

[uhn-kon-sti-too-shuh-nl, -tyoo-]

adjective

1. not constitutional; unauthorized by or inconsistent with the constitution, as of a country.

unconstitutional

/ ˌʌnkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃənəl /

adjective

1. at variance with or not permitted by a constitution

Other Word Forms

• unconstitutionalism noun
• unconstitutionality noun
• unconstitutionally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of unconstitutional¹

First recorded in 1735–45; un- ¹ + constitutional

Example Sentences

In practical terms for us today, this means it is unconstitutional for the IRS to exercise audit power over religious groups, which would make taxing them all but impossible.

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The appeal argues these laws amount to unconstitutional compelled speech.

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Gerrymandering - the redrawing of congressional districts to give a party an electoral advantage - is legal in the US but unconstitutional if it is based on race.

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But repeated legal challenges from Italian courts, with many judges viewing the scheme as unconstitutional, have stalled Meloni's hallmark policy.

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The new case says it is unconstitutional to regulate vacant apartments to a price that doesn’t allow landlords to profitably rent them.

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Related Words

• illegitimate 
• unlawful 
• wrongful