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 Word Forms

• 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

Boasberg wrote that failure to comply with his order at the time was still unconstitutional.

From Salon

"His detention is an attempt to silence those who speak out against the atrocities in Gaza. It is also unconstitutional."

From BBC

Peru's government last year described the raid as "disproportionate and unconstitutional".

From BBC

County Public Defender’s Office asked a judge to release 107 of its clients housed at Los Padrinos, arguing it is unconstitutional to detain youths in a facility the state has deemed unsafe.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Khalil has also filed a federal court lawsuit in New Jersey challenging his arrest as unconstitutional.

From BBC

Related Words

• illegitimate
• unlawful
• wrongful