constitutionality
Americannoun
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the quality of being constitutional.
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accordance with the constitution of a country, state, etc.
noun
Etymology
Origin of constitutionality
An Americanism dating back to 1780–90; constitutional + -ity
Explanation
Constitutionality is how well something sticks to a nation or state's official founding laws and principles. Some people might question the constitutionality of states' using red-light cameras at intersections to send people automated tickets. In the United States, the constitutionality of an action has to do with either the U.S. Constitution or a state constitution. The question is usually settled in court, since it's ultimately up to a judge to determine the constitutionality of things like zoning laws or limitations on what can be printed in a newspaper. Constitutionality comes from a Latin root, constituere, "to set up or establish," as in setting up a government with a structure of basic laws.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This request apparently came from the White House counsel, and one has to wonder why it was thinking about the constitutionality of this sort of utterly benign, seemingly noncontroversial statute.
From Slate • Apr. 9, 2026
Cases at the trade court are often handled by an individual judge, but they are assigned to a three-judge panel if they challenge the constitutionality of a congressional action, presidential proclamation or executive order.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026
As for the agency’s overall constitutionality, the judge said Musk cited no supportive cases and had not adequately briefed the issue.
From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026
In February 2024, a trial court issued a decision that reframed the debate over the constitutionality of gubernatorial power transfers.
From Salon • Dec. 24, 2025
He pointed out that Richard hadn’t yet been tried, which made it too early to weigh in on the constitutionality of any sentence he might receive.
From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
