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ultra vires

adverb or adjective
ul·​tra vi·​res | \ ˌəl-trə-ˈvī-(ˌ)rēz How to pronounce ultra vires (audio) \

Definition of ultra vires

: beyond the scope or in excess of legal power or authority

Examples of ultra vires in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 So these regulations are ultra vires and the courts should strike them down. — WSJ, "It’s Time to Strike Down the Disparate-Impact Doctrine," 11 Apr. 2018 The idea here is that if a corporation is behaving in a fashion that is deemed ultra vires, or exceeding its legal authority, the state must investigate. — Dahlia Lithwick, Slate Magazine, "How state attorneys general could take down Trump.," 15 Feb. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ultra vires.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of ultra vires

1793, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for ultra vires

New Latin, literally, beyond power

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More Definitions for ultra vires

ultra vires

adverb or adjective
ul·​tra vi·​res | \ ˈəl-trə-ˈvī-ˌrēz, ˈu̇l-trä-ˈvē-ˌrās How to pronounce ultra vires (audio) \

Legal Definition of ultra vires

: beyond the scope or in excess of legal power or authority (as of a corporation) the agency acted ultra vires the agreement was ultra vires — compare intra vires

History and Etymology for ultra vires

Latin, beyond the power or means (of)

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