unconstitutional

American  

[uhn-kon-sti-too-shuh-nl, -tyoo-] / ˌʌn kɒn stɪˈtu ʃə nl, -ˈtyu- /

adjective

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

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unconstitutional British  

/ ˌʌnkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃənəl /

adjective

1. at variance with or not permitted by a constitution

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Other Word Forms

• unconstitutionalism noun
• unconstitutionality noun
• unconstitutionally adverb

Etymology

Origin of unconstitutional

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

Example Sentences

That directive sent a clear message that the justices expect the lower courts to declare the law unconstitutional, at least as applied to counselors who offer only talk therapy.

From The Wall Street Journal

Judge Paul Friedman, in response to a lawsuit filed by the newspaper, ruled this month that new Pentagon policies regarding media access were unconstitutional and Times reporters should have their credentials restored.

From Barron's

He argues this is unconstitutional under the First Amendment.

From The Wall Street Journal

Gen. Rob Bonta sued the Sheriff’s Department over what he called “unsafe and unconstitutional conditions at county jails.”

From Los Angeles Times

However, “the president’s lawyers likely would maintain that this statute is unconstitutional and thus can be disregarded,” notes University of Chicago law professor Curtis Bradley.

From Barron's

Related Words

• illegitimate
• unlawful
• wrongful