intestate

American  

[in-tes-teyt, -tit] / ɪnˈtɛs teɪt, -tɪt /

adjective

1. (of a person) not having made a will.

   to die intestate.

2. (of things) not disposed of by will.

   Her property remains intestate.

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noun

1. a person who dies intestate.

intestate British  

/ ɪnˈtɛsteɪt, -tɪt /

adjective

1. 1. (of a person) not having made a will

   2. (of property) not disposed of by will

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noun

1. a person who dies without having made a will

Other Word Forms

• intestacy noun

Etymology

Origin of intestate

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin intestātus, equivalent to in- in- ³ + testātus testate

Compare meaning

How does intestate compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• testate vs. intestate

Example Sentences

Your friend is giving her son more work and leaving her estate in limbo if she doesn’t make a will, and dies intestate, assuming there was no prior will.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 3, 2025

"The estate will actually be probated in accordance with intestate succession laws and the children would be lawfully next in line to inherit," he said.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2025

He was concerned that if he died intestate, his proprieties would not be passed to Li.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 24, 2023

According to Mr. Weisbord, only intestate heirs — family, in other words — and anyone who was named in a prior will can do so.

From New York Times • Apr. 29, 2023

The cold relentless circling of the intestate earth.

From "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy