unconstitutional

UK: ˌʌn.kɒn.stɪˈtjuː.ʃən.əl | US: ˌʌn.kɑːn.stɪˈtuː.ʃən.əl

Definition

  1. adj. not in accordance with or permitted by a constitution

  2. adj. violating the principles or rules established in a governing document

Structure
un <not>constitution <fundamental law>al <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "unconstitutional" combines three morphemes:

  1. "un-" (Old English "un-"), a prefix meaning "not," negates the following term.
  2. "constitution" (Latin "constitutio," from "constituere" <to establish>), referring to a system of fundamental principles or laws.
  3. "-al" (Latin "-alis"), a suffix forming adjectives.
    The term emerged in the early 19th century, primarily in legal contexts, to describe actions or laws conflicting with constitutional principles. Its structure reflects a clear logical opposition ("not constitutional") and remains transparent to modern learners.
Examples

  1. The court ruled the new law unconstitutional due to its infringement on free speech.

  2. Critics argued that the executive order was unconstitutional.

  3. A state government cannot pass unconstitutional statutes without facing judicial review.

  4. The judge declared the surveillance program unconstitutional.

  5. Legal scholars debated whether the policy was merely controversial or truly unconstitutional.