unconstitutional
adjective
un·con·sti·tu·tion·al
ˌən-ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈtü-sh(ə-)nəl 
-ˈtyü-
: not according or consistent with the constitution of a body politic (such as a nation)
an unconstitutional infringement on rights
unconstitutionally
adverb
Examples of unconstitutional in a Sentence
an unconstitutional infringement of rights
The law may be unconstitutional.
Recent Examples on the Web
The College Republicans are asking a federal judge to declare the university’s action unconstitutional and award damages and legal fees.
—
Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
Supporters say similar laws are in effect in Wisconsin and Iowa, although the Wisconsin measure was recently ruled unconstitutional.
—Jim Defede, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026
The state’s Supreme Judicial Court in 2024 ruled that life without parole for 18 to 20 year olds is unconstitutional, making more than 200 people eligible for parole consideration.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 14 Mar. 2026
Charlotte-area colleges and universities were growing more racially diverse before the Supreme Court ruled race-conscious admissions were unconstitutional.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unconstitutional
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Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
Supporters say similar laws are in effect in Wisconsin and Iowa, although the Wisconsin measure was recently ruled unconstitutional.
—Jim Defede, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026
The state’s Supreme Judicial Court in 2024 ruled that life without parole for 18 to 20 year olds is unconstitutional, making more than 200 people eligible for parole consideration.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 14 Mar. 2026
Charlotte-area colleges and universities were growing more racially diverse before the Supreme Court ruled race-conscious admissions were unconstitutional.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unconstitutional
Cite this Entry
“Unconstitutional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unconstitutional. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unconstitutional
adjective
un·con·sti·tu·tion·al
ˌən-ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈt(y)üsh-nəl
-ən-ᵊl
: not according to or agreeing with the constitution of a state or society
unconstitutionally
adverb
-ˈt(y)üsh-nə-lē,
-ən-ᵊl-ē
Legal Definition
unconstitutional
adjective
un·con·sti·tu·tion·al
ˌən-ˌkän-stə-ˈtü-shə-nəl, -ˈtyü-
: contrary to or failing to comply with a constitution
especially
: violative of a person's rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution
an unconstitutional search and seizure
unconstitutionally
adverb
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