unconstitutional

adjective

un·​con·​sti·​tu·​tion·​al ˌən-ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈtü-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce unconstitutional (audio)
-ˈtyü-
Synonyms of unconstitutionalnext
: not according or consistent with the constitution of a body politic (such as a nation)
an unconstitutional infringement on rights
unconstitutionality
ˌən-ˌkän(t)-stə-ˌtü-shə-ˈna-lə-tē How to pronounce unconstitutional (audio)
-ˌtyü-
noun
unconstitutionally adverb

Examples of unconstitutional in a Sentence

an unconstitutional infringement of rights The law may be unconstitutional.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Running this child over was grossly excessive and unconstitutional. — Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 1 July 2026 The latest decision came in two lawsuits brought by professors, students and a student group who argued the law amounted to unconstitutional classroom censorship. — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 7 July 2026 Idaho’s previous attorney general had warned the law could be unconstitutional. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026 The lawsuit also argues that the state's handgun roster should be considered unconstitutional for a similar reasoning. — Noe Padilla, USA Today, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unconstitutional

Word History

First Known Use

1734, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unconstitutional was in 1734

Rhymes for unconstitutional

See All Rhymes for unconstitutional

Browse Nearby Words

unconstellated
unconstitutional
unconstrained
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unconstitutional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unconstitutional. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unconstitutional

adjective
un·​con·​sti·​tu·​tion·​al ˌən-ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈt(y)üsh-nəl How to pronounce unconstitutional (audio)
-ən-ᵊl
: not according to or agreeing with the constitution of a state or society
unconstitutionality
-ˌt(y)ü-shə-ˈnal-ət-ē How to pronounce unconstitutional (audio)
noun
unconstitutionally
-ˈt(y)üsh-nə-lē, 
-ən-ᵊl-ē
adverb

Legal Definition

unconstitutional

adjective
un·​con·​sti·​tu·​tion·​al ˌən-ˌkän-stə-ˈtü-shə-nəl, -ˈtyü- How to pronounce unconstitutional (audio)
: 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
unconstitutionality
-ˌtü-shə-ˈna-lə-tē, -ˌtyü- How to pronounce unconstitutional (audio)
noun
unconstitutionally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on unconstitutional

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for unconstitutional

Nglish: Translation of unconstitutional for Spanish Speakers

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