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unconstitutionalnot in accordance with a country's constitution; contrary to constitutional principles

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: not in accordance with a country's constitution; contrary to constitutional principles

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌʌnkənstɪˈtuʃənəl/

Example Sentences

  • The superhero's power to read minds was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
  • Many citizens protested that the new surveillance law was unconstitutional.
  • The school's policy of mandatory mind-reading tests was ruled unconstitutional.

unconstitutional

ADJECTIVE

[/ˌʌnkənstɪˈtuʃənəl/]

not in accordance with a country's constitution; contrary to constitutional principles

The supreme court ruled that the new law was unconstitutional.
💡 Concept

The supreme court ruled that the new law was unconstitutional.

The unconstitutional policy was struck down by the court.
🧠 Mnemonic

The unconstitutional policy was struck down by the court.

Citizens challenged the unconstitutional law, and the court overturned it.
🎵 Rhyme

Citizens challenged the unconstitutional law, and the court overturned it.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˌʌnkənstɪˈtuʃənəl/
🇬🇧 UK/ˌʌnkənstɪˈtjuːʃənəl/

🌳Etymology

Prefixun--
Rootconstitut
Suffix--ional

Origin

The word derives from the Latin verb constituere (to set up, establish) which formed the noun constitution, originally meaning the act of establishing or the fundamental framework of governance. The negative prefix un- was added to create unconstitutional, meaning contrary to or violating a constitution.

Breakdown

un- (not) + constitution (from Latin constituere, to establish) + -al (adjective suffix). The compound indicates something that contradicts or violates constitutional principles.

🎵Rhyme

utionalinstitutionalutional
utional
institutional
utional

🔗Collocations

unconstitutional law
declare unconstitutional
unconstitutional act
unconstitutional government
unconstitutional ruling
find unconstitutional

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

The superhero's power to read minds was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

Many citizens protested that the new surveillance law was unconstitutional.

😄 Fun example

The school's policy of mandatory mind-reading tests was ruled unconstitutional.

The court found the emergency measures to be unconstitutional.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

illegalunlawfulinvalidillegitimate

Antonyms

constitutionallegallawful

Related

constitutionamendmentsupreme courtjudicial review

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