What does intact mean?
Intact means whole, undamaged, and unchanged from its original condition. The word is especially useful when something has survived a potentially destructive event without being broken, altered, or diminished. People may describe a building, vehicle, document, ecosystem, or even an agreement as intact. “Remain intact” is a particularly common expression, while “keep something intact” emphasizes deliberate preservation. Intact can also mean that something has not been disrupted, divided, or interfered with, as in a process that remains intact. Its Latin origin, from intactus meaning “untouched,” reinforces the word’s sense of completeness and undamaged condition. Unlike a general word such as “whole,” intact often suggests that damage or disruption was possible but did not occur.
Wholly undamaged, unbroken, complete, or unchanged from its original condition.
"The building is still intact after the earthquake."
Can describe physical objects as well as texts, institutions, arrangements, or processes that have not been damaged or disrupted.
In an intact condition; without damage or alteration.
"The ship was recovered intact from the seabed."
This use is chiefly predicative and is less common than the adjective use.
Intact comes from a Latin word meaning “untouched,” so it describes something that has escaped damage or interference.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intact come from?
Intact comes from Latin intactus, an adjective meaning “untouched” or “unbroken.” It is related to integer, “whole” or “entire,” and both derive from a root expressing wholeness. English borrowed the word in the 16th century, initially in contexts involving untouched or undivided things. Modern uses have broadened to describe anything preserved without damage, alteration, or disruption.
Related word forms
How intact is actually used
Intact is commonly used for physical objects, buildings, bodies, texts, and institutions or arrangements. It is more formal than ordinary alternatives such as “fine” or “whole” when describing something preserved in its original condition.