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

Derived Forms

• ˌunconstiˌtutionˈality, noun

Other Words From

• uncon·sti·tution·al·ism noun
• uncon·sti·tution·ali·ty noun
• uncon·sti·tution·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of unconstitutional¹

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

Example Sentences

But every senior military officer also takes an oath to defend the Constitution, and pledges to refuse illegal, unconstitutional or criminal directives.

From Los Angeles Times

The process was used less after after the Supreme Court ruled against Obama in 2014, striking down multiple recess appointments and calling them unconstitutional.

From BBC

“Give him a chance up to the point when Trump starts ordering the military to do illegal, immoral, unconstitutional things,” Bolton said.

From Los Angeles Times

Olson sued on behalf of two gay couples, and Judge Vaughn Walker ruled that it was unconstitutional discrimination to deny them the right to marry.

From Los Angeles Times

Pritzker, Polis and others like Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., have struck a defiant tone since Trump was elected president, promising to use all legal means at their disposal to protect their states against federal policies they deem harmful and unconstitutional.

From Salon

Related Words

• illegitimate
• unlawful
• wrongful