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

• unconstitutionality noun
• unconstitutionalism noun
• unconstitutionally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of unconstitutional¹

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

Example Sentences

Without judicial oversight and ethical military commanders willing to resist unconstitutional orders, nothing prevents the establishment of a national police force that would fundamentally transform American democracy into an authoritarian system.

From Los Angeles Times

"We do not need nor want an unconstitutional and illegal military occupation of our city," said Mayor Brandon Johnson, a Democrat.

From BBC

"We have asked the Court to confirm that Ofcom has no authority to impose or enforce unconstitutional UK laws on American soil."

From BBC

Within hours, Paxton, who is charged with defending the state’s laws, joined the federal government in filing a joint motion that asked the court to declare the law unconstitutional.

From Salon

In 2019, the Supreme Court threw out claims that highly partisan state election maps are unconstitutional.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• illegitimate 
• unlawful 
• wrongful